Methods for Producing Fluorinated Phenylsulfur Pentafluorides

ABSTRACT

A new method for preparing fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluorides is disclosed. A fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluoride is reacted with SbF n Cl m  and SbF 3  to form a fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluoride.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US2008/057849 entitled “Process for Producing Arylsulfur Pentafluorides”, filed Mar. 21, 2008, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/896,669 entitled “Process for Producing Aryl Sulfurpentafluorides”, filed Mar. 23, 2007, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/473,109 entitled “Process for Producing Arylsulfur Pentafluorides”, filed May 27, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/053,775, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,592,491, entitled “Process for Producing Arylsulfur Pentafluorides”, filed Mar. 24, 2008 which claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/896,669 entitled “Process for Producing Aryl Sulfurpentafluorides”, filed Mar. 23, 2007, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/473,129 entitled “Process for Producing Arylsulfur Pentafluorides”, filed May 27, 2009, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/053,775, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,592,491, entitled “Process for Producing Arylsulfur Pentafluorides”, filed Mar. 24, 2008 which claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/896,669 entitled “Process for Producing Aryl Sulfurpentafluorides”, filed Mar. 23, 2007, and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/098,467 entitled “A Method for Producing Fluorinated Phenylsulfur Pentafluorides”, filed Sep. 19, 2008, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to methods and compositions useful in the preparation of arylsulfur pentafluorides.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Arylsulfur pentafluorides compounds are used to introduce one or more sulfur pentafluoride groups into various commercial organic molecules. In particular, arylsulfur pentafluorides have been shown as useful compounds (as product or intermediate) in the development of liquid crystals, in bioactive chemicals such as fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides, and in other like materials [see Fluorine-containing Synthons (ACS Symposium Series 911), ed by V. A. Soloshonok, American Chemical Society (2005), pp. 108-113]. However, as discussed herein, conventional synthetic methodologies to produce arylsulfur pentafluorides have proven difficult and are a concern within the art.

Generally, arylsulfur pentafluorides are synthesized using one of the following synthetic methods: (1) fluorination of diaryl disulfies or arylsulfur trifluoride with AgF₂ [see J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 84 (1962), pp. 3064-3072, and J. Fluorine Chem. Vol. 112 (2001), pp. 287-295]; (2) fluorination of di(nitrophenyl) disulfides, nitrobenzenethiols, or nitrophenylsulfur trifluorides with molecular fluorine (F₂) [see Tetrahedron, Vol. 56 (2000), pp. 3399-3408; Eur. J. Org. Chem., Vol. 2005, pp. 3095-3100; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,935]; (3) fluorination of diaryl disulfides or arenethiols with F₂, CF₃OF, or CF₂(OF)₂ in the presence or absence of a fluoride source (see US Patent Publication No. 2004/0249209 A1); (4) fluorination of diaryl disulfides with XeF₂ [see J. Fluorine Chem., Vol. 101 (2000), pp. 279-283]; (5) reaction of 1,4-bis(acetoxy)-2-cyclohexene with SF₅Br followed by dehydrobromination or hydrolysis and then aromatization reactions [see J. Fluorine Chem., Vol. 125 (2004), pp. 549-552]; (6) reaction of 4,5-dichloro-1-cyclohexene with SF₅Cl followed by dehydrochlorination [see Organic Letters, Vol. 6 (2004), pp. 2417-2419 and PCT WO 2004/011422 A1]; and (7) reaction of SF₅Cl with acetylene, followed by bromination, dehydrobromination, and reduction with zinc, giving pentafluorosulfanylacetylene, which was then reacted with butadiene, followed by an aromatization reaction at very high temperature [see J. Org. Chem., Vol. 29 (1964), pp. 3567-3570].

Each of the above synthetic methods has one or more drawbacks making it either impractical (time or yield), overly expensive, and/or overly dangerous to practice. For example, synthesis methods (1) and (4) provide low yields and require expensive reaction agents, e.g., AgF₂ and XeF₂. Methods (2) and (3) require the use of F₂, CF₃OF, or CF₂(OF)₂, each of which is a toxic, explosive, and corrosive gas, and products produced using these methods are at a relatively low yield. Note that handling of these gasses is expensive from the standpoint of the gasses production, storage and use. In addition, synthesis methods that require the use of F₂, CF₃OF, and/or CF₂(OF)₂ are limited to the production of deactivated arylsulfur pentafluorides, such as nitrophenylsulfur pentafluorides, due to their extreme reactivity, which leads to side-reactions such as fluorination of the aromatic rings when not deactivated. Methods (5) and (6) also require expensive reactants, e.g., SF₅Cl or SF₅Br, and have narrow application because the starting cyclohexene derivatives are limited. Finally, method (7) requires the expensive reactant SF₅Cl and includes many reaction steps to reach the arylsulfur pentafluorides (timely and low yield). Therefore, problems with the production methods for arylsulfur pentafluorides have made it difficult to prepare the material in a safe, cost effective and timely fashion.

Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, p-methylphenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, and p-nitrophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride were detected in the reaction of diphenyl disulfide, bis(p-methylphenyl) disulfide, and bis(p-nitrophenyl) disulfide, respectively, with XeF₂ in the presence of tetraethylammonium chloride (see Can. J. Chem., Vol. 75, pp. 1878-1884). Chemical structures of the chlorotetrafluoride compounds were assigned by analysis of the NMR data of the reaction mixtures, but these compounds were not isolated. Therefore, the physical properties of the chlorotetrafluorides were unknown. This synthesis method using XeF₂ was industrially impractical because XeF₂ is overly expensive for large scale production.

The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of the problems discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides novel processes for the production of arylsulfur pentafluoride, as represented by formula (I):

Embodiments of the invention include reacting at least one aryl sulfur compound, having a formula (IIa) or (IIb),

with a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine and interhalogens, and a fluoro salt (M⁺F⁻, formula III) to form an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV):

The arylsulfur halotetrafluoride (formula IV) is reacted with a fluoride source to form the arylsulfur pentafluoride (formula I).

Embodiments of the present invention also provide processes for producing an arylsulfur pentafluoride (formula I) by reacting at least one aryl sulfur compound, having a formula (IIa) or (IIb), with a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine and interhalogens, and a fluoro salt (M⁺F⁻, formula III) to form an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV):

The arylsulfur halotetrafluoride (formula IV) is reacted with a fluoride source in the presence of a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens to form the arylsulfur pentafluoride (formula I).

Embodiments of the present invention also provide processes for producing arylsulfur pentafluorides (formula I) by reacting an arylsulfur trifluoride having a formula (V):

with a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine and interhalogens, and a fluoro salt (formula III) to form an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV):

The arylsulfur halotetrafluoride (formula IV) is reacted with a fluoride source to form the arylsulfur pentafluoride (formula I).

Embodiments of the present invention also provide processes for producing arylsulfur pentafluorides (formula I) by reacting an arylsulfur trifluoride having a formula (V):

with a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine and interhalogens, and a fluoro salt (formula III) to form an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV).

The arylsulfur halotetrafluoride (formula IV) is reacted with a fluoride source in the presence of a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens to form the arylsulfur pentafluoride (formula I).

Embodiments of the present invention further provide processes for producing arylsulfur halotetrafluoride (formula IV) by reacting at least one aryl sulfur compound having a formula (IIa) or (IIb) with a halogen selected from a group of chlorine, bromine, iodine and interhalogens, and a fluoro salt having a formula (III) to form an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV).

Embodiments of the present invention provide processes for producing an arylsulfur pentafluoride (formula I) by reacting an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride, having a formula (IV), with a fluoride source. In some embodiments the fluoride source has a boiling point of approximately 0° C. or more at 1 atm.

Embodiments of the present invention provides processes for producing an arylsulfur pentafluoride (formula I) by reacting an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV) with a fluoride source in the presence of a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens to form the arylsulfur pentafluoride.

In addition, the present invention provides novel arylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride represented by formula (IV′) and fluorinated arylsulfur pentafluoride represented by formula (I′):

Further, the present invention provides a useful method for the production of fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluorides, as represented by formula (VI):

by reacting a fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (VII) with SbF_(n)Cl_(m) and SbF₃, wherein a molar ratio of SbF_(n)Cl_(m) to SbF₃ is approximately 1:100 to 5:1

in which at least two of R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), R^(d), and R^(e) are a fluorine atom and the remainder are(is) a hydrogen atom; X is a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, or an iodine atom; and n+m=5.

The present invention also provides a useful polyfluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluoride, as represented by formula (VI′):

in which four of R^(a′), R^(b′), R^(c′), R^(d′), and R^(e′) are a fluorine atom and the remainder is a hydrogen atom.

Finally, the present invention also provides a useful intermediate in the production of fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluorides, polyfluorinated phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, as represented by formula (VII′):

in which four of R^(a′), R^(b′), R^(c′), R^(d′) and R^(e′) are a fluorine atom and the remainder is a hydrogen atom.

These and various other features as well as advantages which characterize embodiments of the invention will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide industrially useful processes for producing arylsulfur pentafluorides, as represented by formula (I). Prepared arylsulfur pentafluorides can be used, for among other things, to introduce one or more sulfur pentafluoride (SF₅) groups into various target organic compounds. Unlike previous methods in the art, the processes of the invention utilize low cost reagents to prepare moderate to excellent yields of arylsulfur pentafluoride compounds. Further, methods of the invention provide a greater degree of overall safety in comparison to most prior art methodologies (for example the use of F₂ gas).

A distinction of the present invention is that the processes herein are accomplished at a low cost as compared to other conventional methods. For example, the reagents to perform xenon based reactions are cost prohibitive, whereas the present invention utilizes low cost materials: halogens such as Cl₂, Br₂, and I₂.

Embodiments of the invention include processes which comprise (see for example Scheme 1, Processes I and II) reacting at least one aryl sulfur compound having a formula (IIa) or a formula (IIb) with a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens, and a fluoro salt having a formula (III), to form an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride, represented by formula (IV). The arylsulfur halotetrafluoride is then reacted with a fluoride source to form the arylsulfur pentafluoride having a formula (I).

With regard to formulas (I), (IIa), (IIb), (III), and (IV): substituents R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ each is independently a hydrogen atom; a halogen atom that is a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, or an iodine atom; a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 15 carbon atoms; a nitro group; a cyano group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkanesulfonyl group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted arenesulfonyl group having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 15 carbon atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy group having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 15 carbon atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted acyloxy group having from 1 to 18 carbon atom, preferably from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted alkanesulfonyloxy group having from 1 to 18 carbon atom, preferably from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted arenesulfonyloxy group having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 15 carbon atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 10 carbon atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxycarbonyl group having 7 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 7 to 15 carbons; a substituted carbamoyl group having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 10 carbon atoms; a substituted amino group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; or a SF₅ group; and R⁶ is a hydrogen atom, a silyl group, a metal atom, an ammonium moiety, a phosphonium moiety, or a halogen atom.

With regard to M, M is a metal atom, an ammonium moiety, or a phosphonium moiety, and with regard to X, X is a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, or an iodine atom.

The term “alkyl” as used herein is linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl. The alkyl part of alkanesulfonyl, alkoxy, alkanesulfonyloxy, or alkoxycarbonyl group as used herein is also linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl part. The term “substituted alkyl” as used herein means an alkyl moiety having one or more substituents such as a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

The term “substituted aryl” as used herein means an aryl moiety having one or more substituents such as a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

The term “substituted alkanesulfonyl” as used herein means an alkanesulfonyl moiety having one or more substituents such as a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

The term “substituted arenesulfonyl” as used herein means an arenesulfonyl moiety having one or more substituents such as a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

The term “substituted alkoxy” as used herein means an alkoxy moiety having one or more substituents such as a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

The term “substituted aryloxy” as used herein means an aryloxy moiety having one or more substituents such as a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

The term “substituted acyloxy” as used herein means an acyloxy moiety having one or more substituents such as a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

The term “substituted alkanesulfonyloxy” as used herein means an alkanesulfonyloxy moiety having one or more substituents such as a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

The term “substituted arenesulfonyloxy” as used herein means an arenesulfonyloxy moiety having one or more substituents such as a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

The term “substituted alkoxycarbonyl” as used herein means an alkoxycarbonyl moiety having one or more substituents such as a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

The term “substituted aryloxycarbonyl” as used herein means an aryloxycarbonyl moiety having one or more substituents such as a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

The term “substituted carbamoyl” as used herein means a carbamoyl moiety having one or more substituents such as a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

The term “substituted amino” as used herein means an amino moiety having one or more substituents such as a substituted or unsubstituted acyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkanesulfonyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted arenesulfonyl group, and/or any other group with or without a heteroatom(s) such as an oxygen atom(s), a nitrogen atom(s), and/or a sulfur atom(s), which does not limit reactions of this invention.

Among the substituents, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵, described above, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkanesulfonyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted arenesulfonyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted acyloxy group, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxycarbonyl group are preferable, and a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and a nitro group are more preferable from the viewpoint of availability of the starting materials.

Note that according to the nomenclature of Chemical Abstract Index Name, and in accordance with the present disclosure, for example, C₆H₅—SF₅ is named sulfur, pentafluorophenyl-; p-Cl—C₆H₄—SF₅ is named sulfur, (4-chlorophenyl)pentafluoro-; and p-CH₃—C₆H₄—SF₅ is named sulfur, pentafluoro(4-methylphenyl)-. C₆H₅—SF₄Cl is named sulfur, chlorotetrafluorophenyl-; p-CH₃—C₆H₄—SF₄Cl is named sulfur, chlorotetrafluoro(4-methylphenyl)-; and p-NO₂—C₆H₄—SF₄Cl is named sulfur, chlorotetrafluoro(4-nitrophenyl)-.

Arylsulfur halotetrafluoride compounds of formula (IV) include isomers such as trans-isomers and cis-isomers as shown below; arylsulfur halotetrafluoride is represented by ArSF₄X:

Table 1 provides structure names and formulas for reference when reviewing Schemes 1, 3˜10 and Examples 1˜34:

TABLE 1 Formulas (I~V) Name Structure/Formula Number Arylsulfur pentafluoride

Aryl sulfur compound

Aryl sulfur compound

Fluoro salt M⁺F⁻ (III) Arylsulfur halotetrafluoride

Arylsulfur trifluoride

Process I (Scheme 1)

Process I includes reacting at least one aryl sulfur compound, having a formula (IIa) or (IIb), with a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine and interhalogens, and a fluoro salt (M⁺F⁻, formula III) to form an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV).

The substituent(s), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵, of the products represented by the formula (IV) may be different from the substituent(s), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵, of the starting materials represented by the formulas (IIa) and/or (IIb). Thus, embodiments of this invention include transformation of the R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵ to different R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵ which may take place during the reaction of the present invention or under the reaction conditions as long as the —S—S— or —S-moiety is transformed to a —SF₄X group(s).

Illustrative aryl sulfur compounds, as represented by formula (IIa), of the invention include, but are not limited to: diphenyl disulfide, each isomer of bis(fluorophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(difluorophenyl)disulfide, each isomer of bis(trifluorophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(tetrafluorophenyl) disulfide, bis(pentafluorophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(chlorophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(dichorophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(trichlorophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(bromophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(dibromophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(iodophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(chlorofluorophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(bromofluorophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(bromochlorophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(fluoroiodophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(tolyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis[(methoxymethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis{[(cyclohexyloxy)methyl]phenyl} disulfide, each isomer of bis[(phenylmethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(cyanomethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(nitromethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis{[(methanesulfonyl)methyl]phenyl} disulfide, each isomer of bis{[(benzenesulfonyl)methyl]phenyl} disulfide, each isomer of bis(ethylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis[(methoxyethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(nitroethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(phenylethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[chloro(methyl)phenyl] disulfide, bis[bromo(methyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis(dimethylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis[chloro(dimethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[di(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis(trimethylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis[chloro(trimethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis(tetramethylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis[chloro(tetramethyl)phenyl] disulfide, bis(pentamethylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(ethylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis[(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(perfluoroethyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis(diethylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(ethylmethylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(propylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(isopropylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(butylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(sec-butylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(isobutylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(tert-butylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(cyclopropylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(cyclopentylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(cyclohexylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis{[(cyclohexyl)cyclohexyl]phenyl} disulfide, each isomer of bis(biphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(tolylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis[(chlorophenyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(bromophenyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(nitrophenyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis(terphenylyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis[(phenyl)terphenylyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(methanesulfonyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(benzenesulfonyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(toluenesulfonyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis(methoxyphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(ethoxyphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(propoxyphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(butoxyphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(cyclopropylphenyl) disulfide, bis(cyclohexyloxylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis[(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(perfluoroethoxyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(trifluoroethoxy)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(tetrafluoroethoxy)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(perfluoropropoxy)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis(phenyloxyphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(fluorophenyloxyphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(chlorophenyloxyphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(bromophenyloxyphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(nitrophenyloxyphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis[(dinitrophenyloxy)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(pentafluorophenyloxy)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis(trifluoromethylphenyloxyphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(cyanophenyloxyphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(naphthyloxylphenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis[(heptafluoronaphthyloxy)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[acetoxyphenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(benzoyloxy)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(methanesulfonyloxy)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(benzenesulfonyloxy)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(toluenesulfonyloxy)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(ethoxycarbonyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(phenoxycarbonyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(N,N-diphenylcarbamoyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(N,N-dibenzylcarbamoyl)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(N-acetyl-N-methylamino]phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(N-acetyl-N-phenylamino)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(N-acetyl-N-benzylamino)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(N-benzoyl-N-methylamino)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(N-methanesulfonyl-N-methylamino)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(N-toluenesulfonyl-N-methylamino)phenyl] disulfide, each isomer of bis[(N-toluenesulfonyl-N-benzylamino)phenyl] disulfide, and each isomer of bis[(pentafluorosulfanyl)phenyl] disulfide. Each of the above formula (IIa) compounds is available (see for example Sigma, Acros, TCI, Lancaster, Alfa Aesar, etc.) or can be prepared in accordance with understood principles of synthetic chemistry.

Illustrative aryl sulfur compounds, as represented by formula (IIb), of the invention include, but are not limited to: benzenethiol, each isomer of fluorobenzenethiol (o-, m-, and p-fluorobenzenethiol), each isomer of chlorobenzenethiol, each isomer of bromobenzenethiol, each isomer of iodobenzenethiol, each isomer of difluorobenzenethiol, each isomer of trifluorobenzenethiol, each isomer of tetrafluorobenzenethiol, pentafluorobenzenethiol, each isomer of dichlorobenzenethiol, each isomer of chlorofluorobenzenethiol, each isomer of methylbenzenethiol, each isomer of (trifluoromethyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of dimethylbenzenethiol, each isomer of bis(trifluoromethyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of methyl(trifluoromethyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of trimethylbenzenethiol, each isomer of tetramethylbenzenethiol, pentamethylbenzenethiol, each isomer of ethylbenzenethiol, each isomer of (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (perfluoroethyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of diethylbenzenethiol, each isomer of ethylmethylbenzenethiol, each isomer of propylbenzenethiol, each isomer of isopropylbenzenethiol, each isomer of butylbenzenethiol, each isomer of sec-butylbenzenethiol, each isomer of isobutylbenzenethiol, each isomer of tert-butylbenzenethiol, each isomer of nitrobenzenethiol, each isomer of dinitrobenzenethiol, each isomer of cyanobenzenethiol, each isomer of phenylbenzenethiol, each isomer of tolylbenzenethiol, each isomer of (chlorophenyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (bromophenyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (nitrophenyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (methanesulfonyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (trifluoromethanesulfonyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (benzenesulfonyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (toluenesulfonyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (methoxycarbonyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (ethoxycarbonyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (phenoxycarbonyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (N,N-diethylcarbamoyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (N,N-dibenzylcarbamoyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (N,N-diphenylcarbamoyl)benzenethiol, each isomer of (N-acetyl-N-methylamino)benzenethiol, each isomer of (N-acetyl-N-phenylamino)benzenethiol, each isomer of (N-acetyl-N-benzylamino)benzenethiol, each isomer of (N-benzoyl-N-methylamino)benzenethiol, each isomer of (N-methanesulfonyl-N-methylamino)benzenethiol, each isomer of (N-toluenesulfonyl-N-methylamino)benzenethiol, each isomer of (N-toluenesulfonyl-N-benzylamino)benzenethiol, and each isomer of (pentafluorosulfanyl)benzenethiol; lithium, sodium, and potassium salts of the benzenethiol compounds exemplified here; ammonium, diethylammonium, triethylammonium, trimethylammonium, tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, tetrapropylammonium, and tetrabutylammonium salts of the benzenethiol compounds exemplified here; tetramethylphosphonium, tetraethylphosphonium, tetrapropylphosphonium, tetrabutylphosphonium, and tetraphenylphosphonium salts of the benzenethiol compounds exemplified here; and S-trimethylsilyl, S-triethylsilyl, S-tripropylsilyl, S-dimethyl-t-butylsilyl, and S-dimethylphenylsilyl derivative of the benzenethiol compounds exemplified here. Examples of aryl sulfur compounds of formula (IIb) where R⁶ is a halogen atom are benzenesulfenyl chloride, each isomer of nitrobenzenesulfenyl chloride, each isomer of dinitrobenzenesulfenyl chloride, and other like compounds. Each of the above formula (IIb) compounds is available (see for example Sigma, Acros, TCI, Lancaster, Alfa Aesar, etc.) or can be prepared in accordance with understood principles of synthetic chemistry.

Typical halogens employable in the present invention include chlorine (Cl₂), bromine (Br₂), iodine (I₂), and interhalogens such as ClF, BrF, ClBr, ClI, Cl₃I, and BrI. Among these, chlorine (Cl₂) is preferable due to low cost.

Fluoro salts, having a formula (III), are those which are easily available and are exemplified by metal fluorides, ammonium fluorides, and phosphonium fluorides. Examples of suitable metal fluorides are alkali metal fluorides such as lithium fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride (including spray-dried potassium fluoride), rubidium fluoride, and cesium fluoride. Examples of suitable ammonium fluorides are tetramethylammonium fluoride, tetraethylammonium fluoride, tetrapropylammonium fluoride, tetrabutylammonium fluoride, benzyltrimethylammonium fluoride, benzyltriethylammonium fluoride, and so on. Examples of suitable phosphonium fluorides are tetramethylphosphonium fluoride, tetraethylphosphonium fluoride, tetrapropylphosphonium fluoride, tetrabutylphosphonium fluoride, tetraphenylphosphonium fluoride, tetratolylphosphonium fluoride, and so on. The alkali metal fluorides, such as potassium fluoride and cesium fluoride, are preferable from the viewpoint of availability and capacity to result in high yield, and potassium fluoride is most preferable from the viewpoint of cost.

As a fluoro salt (formula III), there can be used a mixture of a metal fluoride and an ammonium fluoride or a phosphonium fluoride, a mixture of an ammonium fluoride and a phosphonium fluoride, and a mixture of a metal fluoride, an ammonium fluoride, and a phosphonium fluoride.

As a fluoro salt (formula III), there can also be used a mixture of a metal fluoride and an ammonium salt having an anion part other than F⁻; a mixture of a metal salt having an anion part other than F⁻ and an ammonium fluoride; a mixture of a metal fluoride and a phosphonium salt having an anion part other than F⁻; a mixture of a metal salt having an anion part other than F⁻ and a phosphonium fluoride; a mixture of an ammonium fluoride and a phosphonium salt having an anion part other than F⁻; and a mixture of an ammonium salt having an anion part other than F⁻ and a phosphonium fluoride. Furthermore, there can be used a mixture of a metal fluoride, an ammonium fluoride, and a phosphonium salt having an anion part other than F⁻; a mixture of a metal fluoride, an ammonium salt having an anion part other than F⁻, and a phosphonium fluoride; a mixture of a metal salt having an anion part other than F⁻, an ammonium fluoride, and a phosphonium fluoride; a mixture of a metal fluoride, an ammonium salt having an anion part other than F⁻, and a phosphonium salt having an anion part other than F⁻; and so on. These salts can undertake a mutual exchange reaction of the anion parts between and among these salts (for example, see Scheme 2).

The combination of these salts may accelerate the reactions in Process I, because the reaction may depend on the solubility of the fluoro salts to the solvent used. As such, a high concentration of fluoride anions (F⁻) will increase the available fluoride anion during the reaction. Therefore, one may choose a suitable combination of these salts in order to increase the effective concentration of F⁻. The amount (used against the amount of the metal fluoride, ammonium fluorides, and/or phosphonium fluorides) of the metal, ammonium, and phosphonium salts having anion parts other than F⁻ can be chosen from the catalytic amounts to any amounts that do not interfere with the reactions or do not so decrease the yields of the products. The anion parts other than F⁻ can be chosen from any anions which do not limit the reactions or do not so decrease the yields of the products. The examples of the anion parts other than F⁻ are, but are not limited to, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, BF₄ ⁻, PF₆ ⁻, SO₄ ⁻, ⁻OCOCH₃, ⁻OCOCF₃, ⁻OSO₂CH₃, ⁻OSO₂CF₃, ⁻OSO₂C₄F₉, ⁻OSO₂C₆H₅, ⁻OSO₂C₆H₄CH₃, ⁻OSO₂C₆H₄Br, and so on. Among them, the anion parts (other than F⁻) which do not have an oxygen anion(s) are preferable, and Cl⁻, BF₄ ⁻and PF₆ ⁻ are more preferable because of high yield reactions. In addition, Cl⁻ is most preferable because of the cost.

From the viewpoint of efficiency and yields of the reactions, Process I is preferably carried out in the presence of one or more solvents. The solvent is preferably an inert, polar, aprotic solvent. The preferable solvents will not substantially react with the starting materials and reagents, the intermediates, and the final products. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, nitriles, ethers, nitro compounds, and so on, and mixtures thereof. Illustrative nitriles are acetonitrile, propionitrile, benzonitrile, and so on. Illustrative ethers are tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, dipropyl ether, dibutyl ether, t-butyl methyl ether, dioxane, glyme, diglyme, triglyme, and so on. Illustrative nitro compounds are nitromethane, nitroethane, nitropropane, nitrobenzene, and so on. Acetonitrile is a preferred solvent for use in Process I from a viewpoint of providing higher yields of the products.

In order to obtain good yields of product in Process I, the reaction temperature can be selected in the range of about −60° C.˜+70° C. More preferably, the reaction temperature can be selected in the range of about −40° C.˜+50° C. Furthermore preferably, the reaction temperature can be selected in the range of about −20° C.˜+40° C.

Reaction conditions of Process I are optimized to obtain economically good yields of product. In one illustrative embodiment, from about 5 mol to about 20 mol of halogen are combined with about 1 mol of aryl sulfur compound (formula IIa) to obtain a good yield of arylsulfur halotetrafluorides (formula IV). In another embodiment, from about 3 to about 12 mol of halogen are combined with 1 mol of aryl sulfur compound of formula IIb (R⁶=a hydrogen atom, a silyl group, a metal atom, an ammonium moiety, or a phosphonium moiety) to obtain good yields of arylsulfur halotetrafluorides (formula IV). From about 2 to about 8 mol of halogen are combined with 1 mol of aryl sulfur compound of formula IIb (R⁶=a halogen atom) to obtain good yields of arylsulfur halotetrafluorides (formula IV). The amount of a fluoro salt (formula III) used in embodiments of Process I can be in the range of from about 8 to about 24 mol against 1 mol of aryl sulfur compound of formula (IIa) to obtain economically good yields of product. The amount of a fluoro salt (formula III) used in embodiments of Process I can be in the range of from about 4 to about 12 mol against 1 mol of aryl sulfur compound of formula (IIb) to obtain economically good yields of product.

Note that the reaction time for Process I varies dependent upon reaction temperature, and the types and amounts of substrates, reagents, and solvents. As such, reaction time is generally determined as the amount of time required to complete a particular reaction, but can be from about 0.5 h to several days, preferably, within a few days.

A more complete reaction mechanism of Process I is shown in Scheme 3 above. Aryl sulfur compound of formula (IIa) reacts with halogen to form arylsulfur halide (IIb′=IIb when R⁶=a halogen atom), which then reacts with halogen and fluoro salt (M⁺F⁻) to form arylsulfur trifluoride (formula V). The arylsulfur trifluoride further reacts with halogen and fluoro salt to give the arylsulfur halotetrafluoride (formula (IV)). As such, the compounds as represented by formula (V) act as intermediates in the formation of compounds of formula (IV). The compounds as represented by formula (IIb′) also act as intermediates. The starting aryl sulfur compound of formula (IIb when R⁶=a halogen atom) reacts with halogen and fluoro salt to form the arylsulfur trifluoride. Aryl sulfur compounds as represented by formula IIb when R⁶=a hydrogen atom, a metal atom, an ammonium moiety, or a phosphonium moiety) react with halogen to form aryl sulfur compounds as represented by formula (IIa) or formula (IIb′), which then reacts with halogen and fluoro salt to give the arylsulfur trifluoride (formula V). As such, the compounds as represented by formula (IIa) or (IIb′) act as intermediates in the formation of compounds of formula (IV) from aryl sulfur compounds of formula (IIb, R⁶ except for a halogen atom). The reaction mechanism for the production of arylsulfur halotetrafluoride (formula IV) via arylsulfur trifluoride (formula V) was confirmed by ¹⁹F NMR of an intermediate reaction mixture. In addition, the arylsulfur trifluoride can be converted to the arylsulfur halotetrafluoride (formula IV) under the similar reaction conditions as demonstrated by at least Example 14.

Process II (Scheme 1)

Embodiments of the invention include Process II: a reaction of arylsulfur halotetrafluoride, obtained by the process I, with a fluoride source, as shown in Scheme 1.

The substituent(s), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵, of the products represented by the formula (I) may be different from the substituent(s), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵, of the materials represented by the formula (IV). Thus, embodiments of this invention include transformation of the R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵ to different R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵ which may take place during the reaction of the present invention or under the reaction conditions as long as the —SF₄X is transformed to a —SF₅ group.

Fluoride sources employable in Process II are compounds that display fluoride activity to the arylsulfur halotetrafluoride (formula IV). Anhydrous fluoride sources can be used preferably. The fluoride sources can be selected from fluorides of typical elements in the Periodic Table, fluorides of transition elements in the Periodic Table, and mixture or compounds between or among these fluorides of typical elements and/or transition elements. The fluoride source may be a mixture, salt, or complex with an organic molecule(s) that does(do) not limit the reactions of this invention. The fluoride sources also include mixtures or compounds of fluoride sources with fluoride source-activating compounds such as SbCl₅, AlCl₃, PCl₅, BCl₃, and so on. Process II can be carried out using one or more fluoride sources.

Suitable examples of fluorides of the typical elements include fluorides of Element 1 in the Periodic Table such as hydrogen fluoride (HF) and alkali metal fluorides, LiF, NaF, KF, RbF, and CsF; fluorides of Element 2 (alkaline earth metal fluorides) such as BeF₂, MgF₂, MgFCl, CaF₂, SrF₂, BaF₂ and so on; fluorides of Element 13 such as BF₃, BF₂Cl, BFCl₂, AlF₃, AlF₂Cl, AlFCl₂, GaF₃, InF₃, and so on; fluorides of Element 14 such as SiF₄, SiF₃Cl, SiF₂Cl₂, SiFCl₃, GeF₄, GeF₂Cl₂, SnF₄, PbF₂, PbF₄, and so on; fluorides of Element 15 such as PF₅, AsF₅, SbF₃, SbF₅, SbF₄Cl, SbF₃Cl₂, SbF₂Cl₃, SbFCl₄, BiF₅, and so on; fluorides of Element 16 such as OF₂, SeF₄, SeF₆, TeF₄, TeF₆, and so on; fluorides of Element 17 such as F₂, ClF, ClF₃, BrF, BrF₃, IF₅, and so on.

Suitable examples of fluorides of the transition elements (transition meal fluorides) include fluorides of Element 3 in the Periodic Table such as ScF₃, YF₃, LaF₃, and so on; fluorides of Element 4 such as TiF₄, ZrF₃, ZrF₄, HfF₄, and so on; fluorides of Element 5 such as VF₃, VF₅, NbF₅, TaF₅, and so on; fluorides of Element 6 such as CrF₃, MoF₆, WF₆, and so on; fluorides of Element 7 such as MnF₂, MnF₃, ReF₆, and so on; fluorides of Element 8 such as FeF₃, RuF₃, RuF₄, OsF₄, OsF₅, OsF₆, and so on; fluorides of Element 9 such as CoF₂, CoF₃, RhF₃, IrF₆, and so on; fluorides of Element 10 such as NiF₂, PdF₂, PtF₂, PtF₄, PtF₆, and so on; fluorides of Element 11 such as CuF₂, CuFCl, AgF, AgF₂, and so on; fluorides of Element 12 such as ZnF₂, ZnFCl, CdF₂, HgF₂, and so on.

Suitable examples of mixture or compounds between or among the fluorides of typical elements and/or transition elements include, but are not limited to, HBF₄ [a compound of hydrogen fluoride (HF) and BF₃], HPF₆, HAsF₆, HSbF₆, LiF/HF [a mixture or salt of lithium fluoride(LiF) and hydrogen fluoride(HF)], NaF/HF, KF/HF, CsF/HF, (CH₃)₄NF/HF, (C₂H₅)₄NF/HF, (C₄H₉)₄NF/HF, ZnF₂/HF, CuF₂/HF, SbF₅/SbF₃, SbF₅/SbF₃/HF, ZnF₂/SbF₅, ZnF₂/SbF₅/HF, KF/SbF₅, KF/SbF₅/HF, and so on.

Suitable examples of mixtures, salts, or complexes of the fluorides with organic molecules include, but are not limited to, BF₃ diethyl etherate [BF₃.O(C₂H₅)₂], BF₃ dimethyl etherate, BF₃ dibutyl etherate, BF₃ tetrahydrofuran complex, BF₃ acetonitrile complex (BF₃, NCCH₃), HBF₄ diethyl etherate, HF/pyridine (a mixture of hydrogen fluoride and pyridine), HF/methylpyridine, HF/dimethylpyridine, HF/trimethylpyridine, HF/trimethylamine, HF/triethylamine, HF/dimethyl ether, HF/diethyl ether, and so on. As HF/pyridine, a mixture of about 70 wt % hydrogen fluoride and about 30 wt % pyridine is preferable because of availability.

Among these examples of fluoride sources mentioned above, transition metal fluorides, fluorides of the Elements 13˜15, hydrogen fluoride, and mixtures or compounds thereof, and mixtures, salts, or complexes of these fluorides with organic molecules are preferable.

Among the transition metal fluorides, the fluorides of Elements 11 (Cu, Ag, Au) and 12 (Zn, Cd, Hg) are exemplified preferably. ZnF₂ and CuF₂ are furthermore preferable from the viewpoint of practical operation, yields, and cost. Among the fluorides of the Elements 13˜15, BF₃, AlF₃, AlF₂Cl, SbF₃, SbF₅, SbF₄Cl, and SbF₃Cl₂ are preferably exemplified. Fluorides of Elements 13˜15 can be used preferably for the preparation of polyfluorinated arylsulfur pentafluorides. Among the organic molecules usable for the mixtures, salts, or complexes with the fluorides, pyridine, ethers such as dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, dipropyl ether, and diisopropyl ether, alkylamines such as trimethylamine and triethylamine, and nitriles such as acetonitrile and propionitrile are preferable. Among these, pyridine, diethyl ether, triethylamine, and acetonitrile are more preferable because of availability and cost.

In some cases, since the reaction of an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride and a fluoride source can be slowed down by flowing an inactive gas such as nitrogen (see Examples 18 and 19), it is not preferable that the vapor on the reaction mixture and/or the gas which may be generated from the reaction mixture be removed, for example by flowing an inactive gas on or through the reaction mixture or other methods. This was an unexpected finding discovered by the inventor, as one would not expect removal of the reaction vapor to slow the reaction. Therefore, there is a case that it is preferable that the reaction be carried out in a closed or sealed reactor, by maintaining the reactor at a constant pressure, or by equipping the reactor with a balloon filled with an inactive gas such as nitrogen, or in any other like manner. In this manner, embodiments of the invention facilitate the presence of the reaction vapor.

Process II can be carried out with or without a solvent. However, in many cases, unlike most organic reactions, the present invention typically does not require a solvent. This presents an added advantage to performing embodiments of the invention (due to lower cost, no solvent separating requirements, etc). In some cases, the use of solvent is preferable for mild and efficient reactions. Where a solvent is utilized, alkanes, halocarbons, ethers, nitriles, nitro compounds can be used. Example alkanes include normal, branched, cyclic isomers of pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, dodecan, undecane, and other like compounds. Illustrative halocarbons include dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, dichloroethane, trichloroethane, terachloroethane, trichlorotrifluoroethane, chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, trichlorobenzene, hexafluorobenzene, benzotrifluoride, bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene, perfluorohexane, perfluorocyclohexane, perfluoroheptane, perfluorooctane, perfluorononane, perfluorodecane, perfluorodecalin, and other like compounds. Illustrative ethers include diethyl ether, dipropyl ether, di(isopropyl)ether, dibutyl ether, t-butyl methyl ether, dioxane, glyme (1,2-dimethoxyethane), diglyme, triglyme, and other like compounds. Illustrative nitriles include acetonitrile, propionitrile, benzonitrile, and other like compounds. Illustrative nitro compounds include nitromethane, nitroethane, nitrobenzene, and other like compounds. Where the fluoride source used for the reaction is liquid, it can be used as both a reactant and a solvent. A typical example of this is hydrogen fluoride and a mixture of hydrogen fluoride and pyridine. Hydrogen fluoride and a mixture of hydrogen fluoride and pyridine may be usable as a solvent.

In order to optimize yield with regard to Process II, the reaction temperature is selected in the range of from about −100° C. to about +250° C. More typically, the reaction temperature is selected in the range of from about −80° C. to about +230° C. Most typically, the reaction temperature is selected in the range of from about −60° C. to about +200° C.

In order to obtain economically good yields of the products, the amount of a fluoride source which provides n number of reactive fluoride (employable for the reaction) per molecule can be selected in the range of from about 1/n to about 20/n mol against 1 mol of arylsulfur halotetrafluoride (see formula IV). More typically, the amount can be selected in the range of from about 1/n to about 10/n mol from the viewpoint of yield and cost, as less amounts of a fluoride source decrease the yield(s) and additional amounts of a fluoride source do not significantly improve the yield(s).

As described in Process I, the reaction time of Process II also varies dependent on reaction temperature, the substrates, reagents, solvents, and their amounts used. Therefore, one can modify reaction conditions to determine the amount of time necessary for completing the reaction of Process II, but can be from about 0.1 h to several days, preferably, within a few days.

Embodiments of the invention include processes which comprise (see for example Scheme 4, Processes I and II′) reacting at least one aryl sulfur compound having a formula (IIa) or a formula (IIb) with a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens, and a fluoro salt having a formula (III), to form an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride, represented by formula (IV). The arylsulfur halotetrafluoride is then reacted with a fluoride source in the presence of a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens to form the arylsulfur pentafluoride as represented by a formula (I).

Process I is as described above.

Process II′ is the same as Process II above except for the following modifications: The reaction of an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride and a fluoride source can be accelerated by a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens (see Examples 15˜17).

The substituent(s), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵, of the products represented by the formula (I) may be different from the substituent(s), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵, of the materials represented by the formula (IV). Thus, embodiments of this invention include transformation of the R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵ to different R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵ which may take place during the reaction of the present invention or under the reaction conditions as long as the —SF₄X is transformed to a —SF₅ group.

The acceleration of the reactions by the presence of a halogen in some cases was an unexpected and surprising finding as discovered by the inventor. While not wanting to be tied to a particular mechanism, it is believed that the halogen activates a fluoride source and/or prevents disproportionation of an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride (formula IV) which may occur during this reaction. Therefore, other fluoride source-activating and/or disproportionation-preventing compounds are within the scope of the invention. The reaction in the presence of the halogen may be carried out by methods such as by adding a halogen to the reaction mixture, dissolving a halogen in the reaction mixture, flowing a halogen gas or vapor into the reaction mixture or the reactor, or others like means. Among the halogens, chlorine (Cl₂) is preferable because of cost.

The amount of halogen is from a catalytic amount to an amount in large excess. From the viewpoint of cost, a catalytic amount up to 5 mol of the halogen, can be preferably selected against 1 mol of arylsulfur halotetrafluoride (formula IV).

Embodiments of the present invention include a process (Process III) which comprises reacting an arylsulfur trifluoride having a formula (V) with a halogen (chlorine, bromine, iodine, or interhalogens) and a fluoro salt having a formula (III) to form an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV) and (Process II) reacting the obtained arylsulfur halotetrafluoride with a fluoride source to form the arylsulfur pentafluoride having a formula (I). Scheme 5 showing Processes III and II are shown as follows:

With regard to formulas (I), (III), (IV), and (V), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, M and X have the same meaning as defined above.

Process III (Scheme 5)

Embodiments of the present invention provide processes for producing arylsulfur pentafluorides (formula I) by reacting an arylsulfur trifluoride having a formula (V) with a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens and a fluoro salt (formula III) to form an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV).

The substituent(s), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵, of the products represented by the formula (IV) may be different from the substituent(s), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵, of the starting materials represented by the formula (V). Thus, embodiments of this invention include transformation of the R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵ to different R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵ which may take place during the reaction of the present invention or under the reaction conditions as long as the —SF₃ is transformed to a —SF₄X.

Illustrative arylsulfur trifluorides, as represented by formula (V), of the invention can be prepared as described in the literature [see J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 84 (1962), pp. 3064-3072, and Synthetic Communications. Vol. 33 (2003), pp. 2505-2509] and are exemplified, but are not limited, by phenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of fluorophenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of difluorophenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of trifluorophenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of tetrafluorophenylsulfur trifluoride, pentafluorophenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of chlorophenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of bromophenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of chlorofluorophenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of bromofluorophenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of tolylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of chloro(methyl)phenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of dimethylphenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of chloro(dimethyl)phenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of trimethylphenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of ethylphenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of propylphenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of butylphenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of nitrophenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of dinitrophenylsulfur trifluoride, and so on.

As mentioned in the reaction mechanism for the Process I, arylsulfur trifluorides (formula V) can be the intermediates in the Process I.

A halogen employable in the present invention for Process III is the same as for Process I described above except for the amount used for the reaction.

Fluoro salts having a formula (III) for Process III are the same as for Process I described above except for the amount used in the reaction.

It is preferable that the reaction of Process III be carried out using a solvent. Examples of suitable solvents are the same as for Process I described above.

In order to economically get good yields of the products, the reaction temperature for Process III can be selected in the range of −60° C.˜+70° C. More preferably, the temperature can be selected in the range of −40° C.˜+50° C. Furthermore preferably, the temperature can be selected in the range of −20° C.˜+40° C.

In order to get good economic yields of product, the amount of a halogen used can be preferably selected in the range of from about 1 to about 5 mol, more preferably from about 1 to about 3 mol, against 1 mol of arylsulfur trifluoride (V).

In order to get good economic yield of the products, the amount of fluoro salt (III) used can be preferably selected in the range of about 1 to about 5 mol against 1 mol of arylsulfur trifluoride (V).

The reaction time for Process III is dependent on reaction temperature, the substrates, reagents, solvents, and their amounts used. Therefore, one can choose the time necessary for completing each reaction based on modification of the above parameters, but can be from about 0.5 h to several days, preferably, within a few days.

Process II is as described above.

Embodiments of the present invention include a process (Process III) which comprises reacting an arylsulfur trifluoride having a formula (V) with a halogen (chlorine, bromine, iodine, or interhalogens) and a fluoro salt having a formula (III) to form an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV) and (Process II′) reacting the obtained arylsulfur halotetrafluoride with a fluoride source in the presence of a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens to form the arylsulfur pentafluoride having a formula (I). Scheme 6 showing Processes III and II′ are shown as follows:

With regard to formulas (I), (III), (IV), and (V), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, M and X have the same meaning as defined above.

Processes III and II′ are as described above.

Furthermore, the present invention includes a process (Scheme 7, Process I) for preparing an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV), which comprises reacting at least one aryl sulfur compound having a formula (IIa) or a formula (IIb) with a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens and a fluoro salt having a formula (III) to form the arylsulfur halotetrafluoride.

In the formulas (IIa), (IIb), (III), and (IV), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, M and X represent the same meaning as defined above.

Process I is described above.

Furthermore, the present invention includes a process (Scheme 8, Process III) for preparing an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV), which comprises reacting an arylsulfur trifluoride having a formula (V) with a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens and a fluoro salt having a formula (III) to form the arylsulfur halotetrafluoride.

In the formulas (III), (IV), and (V), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, M and X represent the same meaning as defined above.

Process III is as described above.

Furthermore, the present invention includes a process (Scheme 9, Process II″) for preparing an arylsulfur pentafluoride having a formula (I), which comprises reacting an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV) with a fluoride source whose boiling point is approximately 0° C. or more to form the arylsulfur pentafluoride.

In the formulas (I) and (IV), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and X represent the same meaning as defined above.

Process II″ (Scheme 9)

Process II″ is a reaction of arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV) with a fluoride source whose boiling point is approximately 0° C. or more at 1 atm, as shown in Scheme 9.

The substituent(s), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵, of the products represented by the formula (I) may be different from the substituent(s), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵, of the starting materials represented by the formula (IV). Thus, embodiments of this invention include transformation of the R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵ to different R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and/or R⁵ which may take place during the reaction of the present invention or under the reaction conditions as long as the —SF₄X is transformed to a —SF₅ group.

Process II″ is the same as Process II described above, and, the fluoride sources employable in Process II″ are the same as the fluoride sources previously discussed with reference to Process II, with exception that Process II″ fluoride sources have boiling points equal to or above 0° C. at 1 atm.

Furthermore, the present invention includes a process (Scheme 10, Process II′) for preparing an arylsulfur pentafluoride having a formula (I), which comprises reacting an arylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (IV) with a fluoride source in the presence of a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens to form the arylsulfur pentafluoride.

For formulas (I) and (IV), R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and X represent the same meaning as defined above.

Process II′ is as described above.

According to the present invention, the arylsulfur pentafluorides having the formula (I) can be easily and cost-effectively produced from easily available starting materials.

The present invention provides novel arylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides represented by formula (IV′) as useful intermediates;

wherein R^(1′), R^(2′), R^(3′), R^(4′), and R^(5′) each is independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having one to four carbon atoms, or a nitro group; and where, when R^(3′) is a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or a nitro group, at least one of R^(1′), R^(2′), R^(4′), and R^(5′) is a halogen atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having one to four carbon atoms, or a nitro group. The halogen atom here is a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, or an iodine atom.

Among these, each isomer of tert-butylphenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, each isomer of fluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, each isomer of chlorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, each isomer of bromophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, each isomer of difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, each isomer of trifluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, and 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride are preferable, and 4-tert-butylphenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, 4-fluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, 2-fluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, 4-chlorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, 4-bromophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, 3-bromophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, 2,6-difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, 2,4,6-trifluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, and 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride are more preferable.

The present invention also provides novel and useful fluorinated arylsulfur pentafluorides represented by formula (I′);

wherein at least one of R^(2″), R^(3″), and R^(4″) are a halogen atom and the remainders are a hydrogen atom. The halogen atom here is a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, or an iodine atom.

Among these, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride, 2,4,6-trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride, 3-chloro-2,4,6-trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride, and 3-chloro-2,6-difluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride are preferable.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides industrially useful methods for producing fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluorides, as represented by formula (VI). Prepared fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluorides can be used, for among other things, to introduce one or more sulfur pentafluoride (SF₅) groups into various target organic compounds because they have reactive fluorine atoms on the phenyl ring. Target organic compounds herein include a wide range of organic compounds that may have potentiality in application when one or more SF₅ groups are introduced as a part of molecule(s). Illustrative organic compounds include, but are not limited to: alcohols, phenols, thiols, alkylamines, arylamines, alkyl halides, aryl halides, organometal compounds such as Grignard reagents, organic lithium compounds, organic copper compounds, organic zinc compounds, organic palladium compounds, and so on.

Unexpectedly, we found that a combination of SbF_(n)Cl_(m) and SbF₃ within a specified ratio is highly effective for the fluorination of fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluorides.

In one embodiment, the starting materials, fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluorides, are prepared by reactions of di(fluorinated phenyl) disulfides or fluorinated thiophenol compounds with a halogen and a fluoride salt, as mentioned in greater detail below. The di(fluorinated phenyl) disulfides and fluorinated thiophenol compounds are commercially available or easily prepared, and halogen and fluoride salts are of low cost. Therefore, the fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluorides are prepared at a low cost, especially when compared to conventional production methods as described in the background.

Further, methods of the invention provide a greater degree of safety in comparison to most prior art methodologies (see for example methods that use F₂ gas). A distinction of the present invention is that the methods herein afford low cost and high safety, as compared to other conventional methods.

Table 2 provides structure names and formulas for reference when reviewing Schemes 11˜13 and Examples 35˜44:

TABLE 2 Formulas (VI, VII, VIIIa, VIIIb, IX, X, VI′, and VII′) Name Structure/Formula Number Fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluoride

Fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluoride

Fluorinated phenyl sulfur compound

Fluorinated phenyl sulfur compound

Fluoro salt M⁺F⁻ (IX) Fluorinated phenylsulfur trifluoride

Polyfluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluoride

Polyfluorinated phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

Embodiments of the invention include a method (Scheme 11; Process IIa) for preparing a fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluoride having a formula (VI), which comprises reacting a fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (VII) with SbF_(n)Cl_(m) and SbF₃ in which the molar ratio of SbF_(n)Cl_(m) and SbF₃ is in the range of 1:100˜5:1 and, preferably, 1:50˜2:1, based on cost and yield.

For compounds represented by formulas (VI) and (VII), at least two of R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), R^(d), and R^(e) are a fluorine atom and the remainders are hydrogen atoms. X is a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, or an iodine atom. For SbF_(n)Cl_(m), n and m together equal 5, n+m=5.

As noted above, according to the nomenclature of Chemical Abstract Index Name, for example, C₆H₅—SF₅ is named sulfur, pentafluorophenyl-; p-Cl—C₆H₄—SF₅ is named sulfur, (4-chlorophenyl)pentafluoro-; and C₆H₅—SF₄Cl is named sulfur, chlorotetrafluorophenyl-. Accordingly, for example, 2,6-diF—C₆H₃—SF₅ is named sulfur, (2,6-difluorophenyl)pentafluoro-; and 2,6-diF—C₆H₃—SF₄Cl is named sulfur, chlorotetrafluoro(2,6-difluorophenyl)-.

Fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluoride compounds of formula (VII) include isomers such as trans-isomers and cis-isomers as shown below; fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluoride is represented by Ar(F)—SF₄X:

The starting materials, fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluorides, used for this invention can be prepared according to the following procedures (Process A or B):

Process A includes reacting at least one fluorinated phenyl sulfur compound, having a formula (VIIIa) or (VIIIb), with a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine and interhalogens, and a fluoro salt (M⁺F⁻, formula IX) to form a fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (VII). With regard of formulas (VII), (VIIIa), (VIIIb), and (IX), R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), R^(d), R^(e), and X are described as above. R⁶ is a hydrogen atom, a silyl group, a metal atom, an ammonium moiety, a phosphonium moiety, or a halogen atom. M is a metal atom, an ammonium moiety, or a phosphonium moiety.

Illustrative fluorinated phenyl sulfur compounds, as represented by formula (VIIIa), used in Process A include: each isomer of bis(difluorophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(trifluorophenyl) disulfide, each isomer of bis(tetrafluorophenyl) disulfide, and each isomer of bis(pentafluorophenyl) disulfide. Each of the above formula (VIIIa) compounds can be prepared in accordance with understood principles of synthetic chemistry [see Journal of Chemical Society, pp. 4754-4760 (1960); Eur. J. Org. Chem., 2005, pp. 3095-3100, incorporated herein by reference for all purposes] or may be available by purchase (see for example Sigma-Aldrich, Acros, TCI, Lancaster, Alfa Aesar, SynQuest Laboratories, etc.).

Illustrative fluorinated phenyl sulfur compounds, as represented by formula (VIIIb), used in Process A include, but are not limited to: each isomer of difluorobenzenethiol, each isomer of trifluorobenzenethiol, each isomer of trifluorobenzenethiol, each isomer of tetrafluorobenzenethiol, and pentafluorobenzenethiol. Each of the above formula (VIIIb) compounds are available from appropriate vendors (see for example Sigma-Aldrich, Acros, TCI, Lancaster, Alfa Aesar, SynQuest Laboratories, etc.) or can be prepared in accordance with known principles of synthetic chemistry.

Typical halogens employed in Process A include: chlorine (Cl₂), bromine (Br₂), iodine (I₂), and interhalogens such as ClF, BrF, ClBr, ClI, Cl₃I, and BrI. Among these, chlorine (Cl₂) is preferable due to its low cost.

Fluoro salts, having a formula (IX), are those which are easily available and are exemplified by metal fluorides, ammonium fluorides, and phosphonium fluorides. A mixture of two or more kinds of fluoro salts may be used for the reactions herein. Examples of suitable metal fluorides are alkali metal fluorides such as lithium fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride (including spray-dried potassium fluoride), rubidium fluoride, and cesium fluoride. Examples of suitable ammonium fluorides are tetramethylammonium fluoride, tetraethylammonium fluoride, tetrapropylammonium fluoride, tetrabutylammonium fluoride, benzyltrimethylammonium fluoride, benzyltriethylammonium fluoride, and so on. Examples of suitable phosphonium fluorides are tetramethylphosphonium fluoride, tetraethylphosphonium fluoride, tetrapropylphosphonium fluoride, tetrabutylphosphonium fluoride, tetraphenylphosphonium fluoride, tetratolylphosphonium fluoride, and so on. The alkali metal fluorides, such as potassium fluoride and cesium fluoride, are preferable from the viewpoint of availability and capacity to result in high yield, potassium fluoride is most preferable from the viewpoint of cost.

From the viewpoint of efficiency and yields of the reactions, Process A is preferably carried out in the presence of one or more solvents. Preferable solvents include an inert, polar, or aprotic solvent. The preferable solvents will not substantially react with the starting materials and reagents, the intermediates, and/or the final products. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, nitriles, ethers, nitro compounds, and so on, and mixtures thereof. Illustrative nitriles are acetonitrile, propionitrile, benzonitrile, and so on. Illustrative ethers are tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, dipropyl ether, dibutyl ether, t-butyl methyl ether, dioxane, glyme, diglyme, triglyme, and so on. Illustrative nitro compounds are nitromethane, nitroethane, nitropropane, nitrobenzene, and so on. Acetonitrile is a preferred solvent for use in Process A from a viewpoint of providing higher yields of the products.

In order to obtain good yields of product in Process A, the reaction temperature can be selected in the range of about −60° C.˜+70° C. More preferably, the reaction temperature can be selected in the range of about −40° C.˜+50° C. Furthermore preferably, the reaction temperature can be selected in the range of about −20° C.˜+40° C.

Reaction conditions of Process A are optimized to obtain economically good yields of product. In one illustrative embodiment, from about 5 mol to about 20 mol of halogen are combined with about 1 mol of fluorinated phenyl sulfur compound (formula VIIIa) to obtain a good yield of fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluorides (formula VII). In another embodiment, from about 3 to about 12 mol of halogen are combined with 1 mol of fluorinated phenyl sulfur compound of formula VIIIb (R⁶=a hydrogen atom, a silyl group, a metal atom, an ammonium moiety, or a phosphonium moiety) to obtain good yields of fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluorides (formula VII). From about 2 to about 8 mol of halogen are combined with 1 mol of aryl sulfur compound of formula VIIIb (R⁶=a halogen atom) to obtain good yields of fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluorides (formula VII). The amount of a fluoro salt (formula IX) used in embodiments of Process A can be in the range of from about 8 to about 24 mol against 1 mol of fluorinated phenyl sulfur compound of formula (VIIIa) to obtain economically good yields of product. The amount of a fluoro salt (formula IX) used in embodiments of Process A can be in the range of from about 4 to about 12 mol against 1 mol of fluorinated phenyl sulfur compound of formula (VIIIb) to obtain economically good yields of product.

Note that the reaction time for Process A varies dependent upon reaction temperature, and the types and amounts of substrates, reagents, and solvents. As such, reaction time is generally determined as the amount of time required to complete a particular reaction, but can be from about 0.5 h to several days, preferably, within a few days.

The starting materials, fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluorides having a formula (VII), can be also prepared in the following manner (Process B):

A fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (VII) can be produced by reacting a fluorinated phenylsulfur trifluoride having a formula (X) with a halogen selected from the group of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and interhalogens and a fluoro salt (formula IX). Among the halogens, chlorine (Cl₂) is preferable because of cost. With regard to formulas (X), (IX), and (VII), R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), R^(d), R^(e), M, and X have the same meaning as defined above.

Illustrative fluorinated phenylsulfur trifluorides, as represented by formula (X), used in Process B can be prepared as described in the literature [see J. Fluorine Chem. Vol. 2 (1972/73), pp. 53-62] and are exemplified by each isomer of difluorophenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of trifluorophenylsulfur trifluoride, each isomer of tetrafluorophenylsulfur trifluoride, and pentafluorophenylsulfur trifluoride. Fluorinated phenylsulfur trifluorides (formula X) can be the intermediates in Process A.

A halogen employable for Process B is the same as for Process A described above except for the amount used in the reaction(s).

Fluoro salts having a formula (IX) for Process B are the same as for Process A described above, except for the amount used in the reaction.

It is preferable that the reaction of Process B be carried out using one or more solvents. Examples of suitable solvents are the same as for Process A described above.

In order to economically get good yields of the products, the reaction temperature for Process B can be selected in the range of −60° C.˜+70° C., more preferably, the temperature can be selected in the range of −40° C.˜+50° C. In some embodiments the temperature can be selected in the range of −20° C.˜+40° C.

In order to get good economic yields of product, the amount of a halogen used can be preferably selected in the range of from about 1 to about 5 mol, more preferably from about 1 to about 3 mol, against 1 mol of fluorinated phenylsulfur trifluoride (formula X).

In order to get good economic yield of the products, the amount of fluoro salt (formula IX) used can be preferably selected in the range of about 1 to about 5 mol against 1 mol of fluorinated phenylsulfur trifluoride (X).

The reaction time for Process B is dependent on reaction temperature, the substrates, reagents, solvents, and their amounts used. Therefore, one can choose the time necessary for completing each reaction based on modification of the above parameters, but can be from about 0.5 h to several days, preferably, within a few days.

SbF₃ used for Scheme 11, Process IIa is commercially available from appropriate vendors (see for example Sigma-Aldrich, Acros, TCI, Lancaster, Alfa Aesar, SynQuest Laboratories, etc.).

Illustrative SbF_(n)Cl_(m) (n+m=5), used for Process IIa include SbF₅, SbCl₅, SbFCl₄, SbF₂Cl₃, SbF₃Cl₂, and SbF₄Cl. Among them, SbF₅, SbCl₅, and SbF₃Cl₂ are preferable, and SbF₅ and SbCl₅ are more preferable because of availability. SbCl₅ is most preferable because of its relatively lower cost.

A molar ratio of SbF_(n)Cl_(m) and SbF₃ is selected in the range of 1:100˜5:1, preferably 1:50˜2:1 because of shorter reaction time and better product yield.

In some embodiments herein the total amount of fluorine atoms used in reactions herein, i.e., SbF_(n)Cl_(m) and SbF₃ combined, is preferably about 1 to about 20 times, more preferably, about 1 to about 10 times, of X atoms in fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluoride (formula VII). The amount of fluorine atoms has been optimized to provide high yield in view of fluorine cost parameters.

Process IIa can be carried out in the presence or absence of one or more solvent(s). The use of solvent is preferable for mild and efficient reactions. Where a solvent is utilized, alkanes, halocarbons, nitriles, and nitro compounds can be used preferably. Example alkanes include normal, branched, cyclic isomers of pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, dodecan, undecane, and other like compounds. Illustrative halocarbons include: dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, dichloroethane, trichloroethane, terachloroethane, trichlorotrifluoroethane, benzotrifluoride, and hexafluorobenzene; normal, branched, cyclic isomers of perfluoropentane, perfluorohexane, perfluoroheptane, perfluorooctane, perfluorononane, and perfluorodecane; Fluorinert® FC-72, FC-75, FC-77, FC-84, FC-87, and so on; perfluorodecalin; and other like compounds. Illustrative ethers include diethyl ether, dipropyl ether, di(isopropyl)ether, dibutyl ether, dioxane, glyme (1,2-dimethoxyethane), diglyme, triglyme, and other like compounds. Illustrative nitriles include acetonitrile, propionitrile, benzonitrile, and other like compounds. Illustrative nitro compounds include nitromethane, nitroethane, nitrobenzene, and other like compounds. Among these, alkanes and halocarbons are preferably used, and halocarbons are more preferably used for better or higher yield(s).

In order to optimize yield with regard to Process IIa, reaction temperature is selected in the range of from about −100° C. to about +100° C. More typically, the reaction temperature is selected in the range of from about −90° C. to about +80° C. Most typically, the reaction temperature is selected in the range of from about −80° C. to about +60° C.

The reaction time of Process IIa also varies dependent on reaction temperature, substrate identity, reagent identity, solvent identity, and their amounts used. Therefore, one can modify reaction conditions to determine the amount of time necessary for completing the reaction of Process IIa, but can be from about 1 minute to several days, preferably, within a few days.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide new polyfluorinated phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides, represented by formula (VII′), as useful intermediates for preparing polyfluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluorides:

Regarding formula (VII′), four of R^(a′), R^(b′), R^(c′), R^(d′), and R^(e′) are a fluorine atom and the remainder is a hydrogen atom.

Polyfluorinated phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides of formula (VII′) include 2,3,4,5-, 2,3,4,6-, and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride. Among these intermediates, 2,3,4,6- and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride are preferable, and 2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride is more preferable.

The present invention also provides new useful polyfluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluorides represented by formula (VI′):

Regarding formula (VI′), R^(a′), R^(b′), R^(c′), R^(d′), and R^(e′) are the same meaning as above.

Polyfluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluorides of formula (VI′) include 2,3,4,5-, 2,3,4,6-, and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride. Among these, 2,3,4,6- and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride are preferable, and 2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride is more preferable.

According to the present invention, fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluorides having the formula (VI) can be unexpectedly and cost-effectively produced in highly pure form from available starting materials and reagents. This is a surprising and useful improvement over the prior art.

The following examples will illustrate the present invention in more detail, but it should be understood that the present invention is not deemed to be limited thereto.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Table 3 provides structure names and formulas for reference when reviewing the following Examples 1 to 34:

TABLE 3 Arylsulfur Halotetrafluorides (Formulas Ia, b, d-n and IVa-j, l, n): Formula Number Name Structure Ia Phenylsulfur pentafluoride

Ib p-Methylphenylsulfur pentafluoride

Id p-Fluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

Ie o-Fluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

If p-Chlorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

Ig p-Bromophenylsulfur pentafluoride

Ih m-Bromophenylsulfur pentafluoride

Ii p-Nitrophenylsulfur pentafluoride

Ij 2,6-Difluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

Ik 3-Chloro-2,6- difluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

Il 2,4,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

Im 3-Chloro-2,4,6- trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

In 2,3,4,5,6- Pentafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

IVa Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

IVb p-Methylphenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

IVc p-(tert-Butyl)phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

IVd p-Fluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

IVe o-Fluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

IVf p-Chlorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

IVg p-Bromophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

IVh m-Bromophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

IVi p-Nitrophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

IVj 2,6-Difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

Ivl 2,4,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

IVn 2,3,4,5,6- Pentafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

Example 1 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride from Diphenyl Disulfide

(Process I) A 500 mL round bottom glassware flask was charged with diphenyl disulfide (33.0 g, 0.15 mol), dry KF (140 g, 2.4 mol) and 300 mL of dry CH₃CN. The stirred reaction mixture was cooled on an ice/water bath under a flow of N₂ (18 mL/min) After N₂ was stopped, chlorine (Cl₂) was bubbled into a reaction mixture at the rate of about 70 mL/min. The Cl₂ bubbling took about 6.5 h. The total amount of Cl₂ used was about 1.2 mol. After Cl₂ was stopped, the reaction mixture was stirred for additional 3 h. N₂ was then bubbled through for 2 hours to remove an excess of Cl₂. The reaction mixture was then filtered with 100 mL of dry hexanes in air. About 1 g of dry KF was added to the filtrate. The KF restrains possible decomposition of the product. The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum and the resulting residue was distilled at reduced pressure to give a colorless liquid (58.0 g, 88%) of phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride: b.p. 80° C./20 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CD₃CN) 7.79-7.75 (m, 2H, aromatic), 7.53-7.49 (m, 3H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR (CD₃CN) 136.7 (s, SF₄Cl). The NMR analysis showed phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride obtained is a trans isomer.

(Process II) A 100 mL fluoropolymer (TEFLON®•PFA) vessel was charged with PhSF₄Cl (44 g, 0.2 mol) and dry ZnF₂ (12.3 g, 0.12 mol) in a dry box filled with N₂. The vessel was then equipped with a condenser made of fluoropolymer and a balloon filled with N₂. The reaction mixture was slowly heated to 120° C. over a period of one hour. The reaction mixture changed from colorless to yellow, pink, and then eventually green. The reaction mixture was stirred at 120° C. for 20 h. After being cooled to room temperature, about 50 mL of pentane was added to the reaction mixture. The mixture was filtered to remove all insoluble solid to give a yellow solution, which was concentrated. The resulting residue was distilled at reduced pressure to give 30.6 g (75%) of phenylsulfur pentafluoride; b.p. 70-71° C./120 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 7.77-7.74 (m, 2H, aromatic), 7.60-7.40 (m, 3H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 85.20-84.13 (m, 1F, SF₅), 62.91 (d, 4F, SF₅).

Examples 2-10 Synthesis of Arylsulfur Pentafluorides (I) from Aryl Sulfur Compounds (IIa)

Substituted arylsulfur pentafluorides (I) were synthesized from the corresponding aryl sulfur compounds (IIa) by the similar procedure as in Example 1. Table 4 shows the synthesis of the substituted arylsulfur pentafluorides. Table 4 also shows the starting materials and other chemicals necessary for the Processes I and II, solvents, reaction conditions, and the results, together with those of Example 1. FC-72 (Fluorinert®) was used as a solvent in Process II in Examples 9 and 10. The Fluorinert® FC-72 was a perfluorinated organic compound having a boiling point of 56° C., which is a product made by the 3M Company.

TABLE 4 Production of Arylsulfur pentafluorides (I) from Aryl sulfur compounds (IIa) Process I Ex. (IIa) Halogen (III) Solvent Conditions (IV) Yield  1

Cl₂  ~1.2 mol KF  140 g (2.4 mol) CH₃CN 300 mL 0~5° C. ~9.5 h

88%  2

Cl₂  0.73 mol KF  464 g (8 mol) CH₃CN  1 L  0° C. 10.5 h

73%  3

Cl₂  0.28 mol KF   36 g (0.63 mol) CH₃CN 100 mL 0~5° C.  2.5 h and r.t. overnight

67%  4

Cl₂  0.31 mol KF 36.5 g (0.63 mol) CH₃CN 100 mL 0~5° C.  1.8 h and r.t. overnight

80%  5

Cl₂  0.72 mol KF   94 g (1.6 mol) CH₃CN 200 mL 0~5° C.  4.5 h and r.t. overnight

77%  6

Cl₂  0.88 mol KF  118 g (2.0 mol) CH₃CN 250 mL 0~5° C.  5.5 h and r.t. overnight

86%  7

Cl₂  0.72 mol KF   94 g (1.6 mol) CH₃CN 200 mL 0~5° C.  4.5 h and r.t. overnight

60%  8

Cl₂ ~1.02 mol CsF  279 g (1.83 mol) CH₃CN 200 mL 0~5° C.   5 h and r.t. overnight

82%  9

Cl₂ ~1.08 mol KF   90 g (1.55 mol) CH₃CN 300 mL 0~5° C.   6 h and r.t. overnight

67% 10

Cl₂   ~1 mol KF   82 g (1.41 mol) CH₃CN 300 mL 0~5° C.   5 h and r.t. overnight

86% Process II Amount Fluoride Ex. of (IV) source Solv. Conditions (I) Yield  1   44 g (0.2 mol) ZnF₂    12.3 g (0.12 mol) non 120° C. 20 h

75%  2   32 g (137 mmol) ZnF₂    8.47 g (82 mmol) non  90° C. overnight

71%  3   10 g (42 mmol) ZnF₂    2.6 g (25 mmol) non 120° C. 16 h

62%  4   10 g (42 mmol) ZnF₂    2.59 g (25 mmol) non 120° C. 15 h

59%  5   30 g (100 mmol) ZnF₂    6.18 g (60 mmol) heptane 20 mL reflux 17 h

79%  6   10 g (33 mmol) ZnF₂    2.0 g (20 mmol) non 120° C. 15 h

78%  7  26.5 g (100 mmol) ZnF₂    6.18 g (60 mmol) non 150° C. 72 h

36%  8 41.87 g (0.16 mol) ZnF₂    18.1 g (0.17 mol) non 130° C.  4 h and 180° C.  6 h

52%  9  4.09 g (14.9 mmol) SbF₅ 0.5~0.6 mL (~8 mmol) FC-72 20 mL r.t.  2 h

60%                   20% 10  9.47 g (30.5 mmol) SbF₅    3.41 g (30.5 mmol) FC-72 40 mL r.t.  2 h

60%

The properties and spectral data of the products, (IV) and (I), obtained by Examples 2-10 are shown by the following:

p-Methylphenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride; b.p. 74-75° C./5 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CD₃CN) 7.65 (d, 2H, aromatic), 7.29 (d, 2H, aromatic), 2.36 (s, 3H, CH₃); ¹⁹F NMR (CD₃CN) 137.66 (s, SF₄Cl); High resolution mass spectrum. found 235.986234 (34.9%) (calcd for C₇H₇F₄S³⁷Cl; 235.986363). found 233.989763 (75.6%) (calcd for C₇H₇F₄S³⁵Cl; 233.989313). The NMR shows that p-methylphenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride obtained is a trans isomer.

p-Methylphenylsulfur pentafluoride; b.p. 95-96° C./80 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 7.63 (d, 2H, aromatic), 7.24 (d, 2H, aromatic), 2.40 (s, 3H, CH₃); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 86.55-84.96 (m, 1F, SF), 63.26 (d, 4F, SF₄).

p-Fluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride; b.p. 60° C./8 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CD₃CN) 7.85-7.78 (m, 2H, aromatic), 7.25-7.15 (m, 2H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR (CD₃CN) 137.6 (s, SF₄Cl), −108.3 (s, CF); High resolution mass spectrum. found 239.961355 (37.4%) (calcd for C₆H₄F₅S³⁷Cl; 239.961291). found 237.964201 (100%) (calcd for C₆H₄F₅S³⁵Cl; 237.964241). The NMR shows that p-fluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride obtained is a trans isomer.

p-Fluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride; b.p. 71° C./80 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 7.80-7.73 (m, 2H, aromatic), 7.17-7.09 (m, 2H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 87.78-83.17 (m, 1F, SF), 63.81 (d, 4F, SF₄), −107.06 (s, 1F, CF); GC-MS m/z 222 (M⁺).

o-Fluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride; b.p. 96-97° C./20 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CD₃CN) 7.77-7.72 (m, 1H, aromatic), 7.60-7.40 (m, 1H, aromatic), 7.25-7.10 (m, 2H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR (CD₃CN) 140.9 (d, SF₄Cl), −107.6 (s, CF); High resolution mass spectrum. found 239.961474 (25.4%) (calcd for C₆H₄F₅S³⁷Cl; 239.961291). found 237.964375 (69.8%) (calcd for C₆H₄F₅S³⁵Cl; 237.964241). The NMR shows that o-fluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride obtained is a trans isomer.

o-Fluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride; b.p. 91-94° C./120 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 7.78-7.73 (m, 1H, aromatic), 7.55-7.48 (m, 1H, aromatic), 7.27-7.17 (m, 2H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 82.38-81.00 (m, 1F, SF), 68.10 (dd, 4F, SF₄), −108.07-(−108.35) (m, 1F, CF).

p-Bromophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (X); m.p. 58-59° C.; ¹H NMR (CD₃CN) δ 7.67 (s, 4H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR (CD₃CN) δ 136.56 (s, SF₄Cl); High resolution mass spectrum. found 301.877066 (16.5%) (calcd for C₆H₄ ⁸¹Br³⁷ClF₄S; 301.879178). found 299.880655 (76.6%) (calcd for C₆H₄ ⁸¹Br³⁵ClF₄S; 299.881224 and calcd for C₆H₄ ⁷⁹Br³⁷ClF₄S; 299.882128). found 297.882761 (77.4%) (calcd for C₆H₄ ⁷⁹Br³⁵ClF₄S; 297.884174).

Elemental analysis; calcd for C₆H₄BrClF₄S; C, 24.06%; H, 1.35%. found C, 24.37%; H, 1.54%. The NMR showed that p-bromophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride was obtained as a trans isomer.

p-Bromophenylsulfur pentafluoride; b.p. 77-78° C./10 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 7.63 (s, 4H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 84.13-82.53 (m, 1F, SF), 63.11 (d, 4F, SF₄).

m-Bromophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride; b.p. 57-59° C./0.8 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CD₃CN) 7.90-7.88 (m, 1H, aromatic), 7.70-7.50 (m, 2H, aromatic), 7.40-7.30 (m, 1H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR (CD₃CN) 136.74 (s, SF₄Cl). High resolution mass spectrum. found 301.878031 (29.1%) (calcd for C₆H₄ ⁸¹Br³⁷ClF₄S; 301.879178). found 299.881066 (100%) (calcd for C₆H₄ ⁸¹Br³⁵ClF₄S; 299.881224 and calcd for C₆H₄ ⁷⁹Br³⁷ClF₄S; 299.882128). found 297.883275 (77.4%) (calcd for C₆H₄ ⁷⁹Br³⁵ClF₄S; 297.884174). The NMR showed that m-bromophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride obtained was a trans isomer.

m-Bromophenylsulfur pentafluoride; b.p. 69-70° C./10 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 7.91 (t, 1H, aromatic), 7.72-7.64 (m, 2H, aromatic), 7.35 (t, 1H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 83.55-82.47 (m, 1F, SF), 63.13 (d, 4F, SF₄).

p-Nitrophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride; m.p. 130-131° C.; ¹H NMR (CD₃CN) 8.29 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H, aromatic), 8.02 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR (CD₃CN) 134.96 (s, SF₄Cl); High resolution mass spectrum. found 266.956490 (38.4%) (calcd for C₆H₄ ³⁷ClF₄NO₂S; 266.955791). found 264.959223 (100%) (calcd for C₆H₄ ³⁵ClF₄NO₂S; 264.958741). Elemental analysis; calcd for C₆H₄ClF₄NO₂S; C, 27.13%; H, 1.52%; N, 5.27%. found, C, 27.16%; H, 1.74%; N, 4.91%. The NMR shows that p-nitrophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride obtained is a trans isomer.

p-Nitrophenylsulfur pentafluoride; b.p. 74-76° C./3 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 8.36-8.30 (m, 2H, aromatic), 7.99-7.95 (m, 2H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 82.32-80.69 (m, 1F, SF), 62.76 (d, 4F, SF₄).

2,6-Difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride: The product (b.p. 120-122° C./95-100 mmHg) obtained from Example 8 is a 6:1 mixture of trans- and cis-isomers of 2,6-difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride. The trans-isomer was isolated as pure form by crystallization; mp. 47.6-48.3° C.; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 143.9 (t, J=26.0 Hz, 4F, SF₄), −104.1 (quintet, J=26.0 Hz, 2F, 2,6-F): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.97-7.09 (m, 2H, 3,5-H), 7.43-7.55 (m, 1H, 4-H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 157.20 (d, J=262.3 Hz), 133.74 (t, J=11.6 Hz), 130.60 (m), 113.46 (d, J=14.6 Hz); high resolution mass spectrum. found 257.950876 (37.6%) (calcd for C₆H₃ ³⁷ClF₆S; 257.951869). found 255.955740 (100%) (calcd for C₆H₃ ³⁵ClF₆S; 255.954819); elemental analysis; calcd for C₆H₃ClF₆S; C, 28.08%, H, 1.18%. found; C, 28.24%, H, 1.24%. The cis-isomer was assigned in the following; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 158.2 (quartet, J=161.8 Hz, 1F, SF), 121.9 (m, 2F, SF₂), 76.0 (m, 1F, SF). The ¹⁹F NMR assignment of aromatic fluorine atoms of the cis-isomer could not be done because of possible overlapping of the peaks of the trans-isomer.

2,6-Difluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride: m.p. 40.3-41.1° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.51 (m, 1H), 7.04 (m, 2H); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 82.32-80.69 (m, 1F, SF), 62.76 (d, 4F, SF₄); high resolution mass spectrum. found 239.984509 (calcd for C₆H₃F₇S; 239.984370); elemental analysis, calcd for C₆H₃F₇S; C, 30.01%, H, 1.26%. found, C, 30.20%, H, 1.47%.

2,4,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride: trans-isomer; m.p. 55.8-56.7° C.; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 144.07 (t, J=26.0 Hz, 4F, SF₄), −99.80 (t, J=26.0 Hz, 2F, o-F), −100.35 (s, 1F, p-F); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.79 (t, J=17.5 Hz, m-H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 164.16 (dt, J=164.2 Hz, 15.2 Hz, 4-C), 158.18 (dm, J=260.7 Hz, 2-C), 127.7 (m, 1-C), 102.1 (tm, J=27.8 Hz, 3-C). Elemental analysis; calcd for C₆H₂ClF₇S; C, 26.24%; H, 0.73%. found, C, 26.23%; H, 1.01%. The NMR shows that 2,4,6-trifluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride obtained is a trans isomer.

2,4,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride and 3-chloro-2,4,6-trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride: The product (b.p. ˜145° C.) obtained from Experiment 9 was a 3:1 (molar ratio) mixture of 2,4,6-trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride and 3-chloro-2,4,6-trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride. These products were identified by NMR and GC-Mass analysis. 2,4,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride: ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 78.7-75.3 (m, SF), 73.8-72.9 (m, SF₄), −100.6 (m, 4-F), −100.7 (m, 2,6-F); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.80 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 3,5-H); GC-Mass m/z 258 (M⁺). 3-Chloro-2,4,6-trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride: ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 78.7-75.3 (m, SF), 73.8-72.9 (m, SF₄), −101.3 (m, 2 or 6-F), −102.3 (m, 4-F), −102.6 (m, 2 or 6-F); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.95 (br.t, J=9.5 Hz, 5-H); GC-Mass m/z 294, 292 (M⁺).

2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride: The product (b.p. 95-112° C./100 mmHg) obtained from Experiment 10 was a 1.7:1 mixture of trans and cis isomers of 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride. The isomers were assigned by ¹⁹F NMR: The trans isomer; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 144.10 (t, J=26.0 Hz, 4F, SF₄), −132.7 (m, 2F, 2,6-F), −146.6 (m, 1F, 4-F), −158.9 (m, 2F, 3,5-F); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 143.5 (dm, J=265.2 Hz), 141.7 (dm, J=263.7 Hz), 128.3 (m). The cis isomer; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 152.39 (quartet, J=158.9 Hz, 1F, SF), 124.32 (m, 2F, SF₂), 79.4 (m, 1F, SF), −132.7 (m, 2F, 2,6-F), −146.6 (m, 1F, 4-F), −158.9 (m, 2F, 3,5-F). High resolution mass spectrum of a 1.7:1 mixture of the trans and cis isomers. found 311.923124 (15.5%) (calcd for C₆ ³⁷ClF₉S; 311.923604). found 309.926404 (43.1%) (calcd for C₆ ³⁵ClF₉S; 309.926554).

2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride: b.p. 135-137° C.; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 74.8 (m, 5F, SF₅), −133.4 (m, 2F, 2,6-F), −146.2 (m, 1F, 4-F), −158.6 (m, 2F, 3,5-F); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 143.6 (dm, J=262.2 Hz), 137.9 (dm, J=253.6 Hz), 126.7 (m). High resolution mass spectrum. found 293.956492 (calcd for C₆F₁₀S; 293.956104).

Example 11 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride from Diphenyl Disulfide with a Mixture of Hydrogen Fluoride and Pyridine as a Fluoride Source in Process II

(Process I) Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride was prepared in a high yield in the same manner as in Process I in Example 1.

(Process II) A reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 341 mg (1.54 mmol) of trans-phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, and 0.5 mL of a mixture of about 70 wt % hydrogen fluoride and about 30 wt % pyridine was added at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and heated at 50° C. for 3 hours. After the reaction, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature. An analysis of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F-NMR showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride was produced in 93% yield.

Example 12 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride from Thiophenol as an Aryl Sulfur Compound of Formula (IIb)

(Process I) Chlorine (Cl₂) was passed with a flow rate of 27 mL/min into a stirred mixture of 10.0 g (90.8 mmol) of thiophenol and 47.5 g (0.817 mol) of dry KF in 100 mL of dry acetonitrile at 6˜10° C. Chlorine was passed for 3.7 h and the total amount of chlorine passed was 10.2 L (0.445 mol). After 10 mL of 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane was added to the reaction mixture, the reaction mixture was filtered. After removal of the solvent in vacuum, phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (16.6 g, 83%) as a light green-brown liquid was obtained. The physical properties and spectral data of the product are shown in Example 1. The product was a trans isomer.

(Process II) Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride obtained in Process I above may be allowed to react with ZnF₂ in the same procedure as Process II in Example 1, giving phenylsulfur pentafluoride in good yield.

Example 13 Synthesis of p-Nitrophenylsulfur Pentafluoride from p-Nitrobenzenesulfenyl Chloride as an Aryl Sulfur Compound of Formula (IIb)

(Process I) Chlorine (Cl₂) was passed with a flow rate of 37 mL/min into a stirred mixture of 5.00 g (26.4 mmol) of p-nitrobenzenesulfenyl chloride and 15.3 g (264 mmol) of dry KF in 40 mL of dry acetonitrile at 5-11° C. The total amount of chlorine passed was 2.54 L (113 mmol). After 5 mL of 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane was added to the reaction mixture, the reaction mixture was filtered. After removal of the solvent in vacuum, p-nitrophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (4.69 g, 76%) as a solid was obtained. The physical properties and spectral data of the product are shown in Example 7. The product was a trans isomer.

(Process II) p-Nitrophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride obtained in Process I above may be allowed to react with ZnF₂ in the same procedure as Process II in Example 7, giving p-nitrophenylsulfur pentafluoride in good yield.

Example 14 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride from Phenylsulfur Trifluoride

(Process III) Chlorine (Cl₂) was passed with a flow rate of 34 mL/min into a stirred mixture of 5.00 g (30.1 mmol) of phenylsulfur trifluoride and 8.74 g (150 mmol) of dry KF in 20 mL of dry acetonitrile at 6˜9° C. Chlorine was passed for 43 min and the total amount of chlorine passed was 1.47 L (65.5 mmol). After 3 mL of 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane was added to the reaction mixture, the reaction mixture was filtered. After removal of the solvent in vacuum, phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (5.62 g, 84%) as a colorless liquid was obtained. The physical properties and spectral data of the product are shown in Example 1. The product was a trans isomer.

(Process II) Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride obtained in Process III above may be allowed to react with ZnF₂ in the same procedure as Process II in Example 1, giving phenylsulfur pentafluoride in good yield.

Example 15 Reaction of Phenylsulfur Chlorotetrafluoride and ZnF₂ Under a Slow Flow of Chlorine (Presence of Halogen)

(Process II′) trans-Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (trans-PhSF₄Cl) used for this Process was prepared in high yields by the Process I or III as shown by Examples 1, 11, 12, or 14. In a dry box, a 50 mL reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 10.0 g (0.045 mol) of trans-PhSF₄Cl and 2.8 g (0.027 mol) of dry ZnF₂ The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and connected to the gas flowing system. The reaction mixture was slowly heated to 120° C. while Cl₂ gas was added into the reaction vessel at the rate of 4.6 mL/minute. The progress of the reaction was monitored by ¹⁹F NMR. After 40 minutes at 120° C., three major compounds (trans-PhSF₄Cl, cis-PhSF₄Cl, and phenylsulfur pentafluoride (PhSF₅)) were detected to be present in the reaction mixture. The mol ratio of trans-PhSF₄Cl:cis-PhSF₄Cl:PhSF₅ was 0.5:3.3:100. After additional 60 minutes at 120° C., trans- and cis-PhSF₄Cl disappeared and only PhSF₅ was detected from ¹⁹F NMR. The reaction was completed within 1.7 h at 120° C. After N₂ (5.4 mL/minute) was flowed for 0.5 hour, the examination of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F NMR using benzotrifluoride as a standard showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride was produced in 92% yield. This experiment showed that the reaction is greatly accelerated by the presence of chlorine and the product is obtained in a high yield. This experiment also showed that cis-PhSF₄Cl is formed intermediately by the isomerization of trans-PhSF₄Cl, and cis-PhSF₄Cl is converted to the product, PhSF₅.

Example 16 Reaction of Phenylsulfur Chlorotetrafluoride and ZnF₂ Under a Fast Flow of Chlorine (Presence of Halogen)

(Process II′) trans-Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (trans-PhSF₄Cl) used for this Process was prepared in high yields by the Process I or III as shown by Examples 1, 11, 12 or 14. In a dry box, a 50 mL reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 10.0 g (0.045 mol) of trans-PhSF₄Cl and 2.8 g (0.027 mol) of dry ZnF₂. The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and connected to the gas flowing system. The reaction mixture was slowly heated to 120° C. while Cl₂ gas was added into the reaction vessel at the rate of 23 mL/minute. The progress of the reaction was monitored by ¹⁹F NMR. After 45 minutes at 120° C., three major compounds (trans-PhSF₄Cl, cis-PhSF₄Cl, and phenylsulfur pentafluoride (PhSF₅)) were detected to be present in the reaction mixture. The mol ratio of trans-PhSF₄Cl:cis-PhSF₄Cl:PhSF₅ was 18:83:100. After additional 45 minutes at 120° C., trans- and cis-PhSF₄Cl disappeared and only PhSF₅ was detected from ¹⁹F NMR. The reaction was completed in about 1.5 h at 120° C. After N₂ (26.9 mL/minute) was flowed for 1 hour, the examination of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F NMR using benzotrifluoride as a standard showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride was produced in 83% yield. This experiment showed that the reaction is greatly accelerated by the presence of chlorine and the product is obtained in a high yield. This experiment clearly showed that cis-PhSF₄Cl is formed intermediately by the isomerization of trans-PhSF₄Cl, and cis-PhSF₄Cl is converted to the product, PhSF₅.

Example 17 Reaction of 2,6-difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride and ZnF₂ Under a Flow of Chlorine (Presence of Halogen)

(Process II′) A 6:1 mixture of trans and cis-2,6-difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride used for this Process was prepared in high yields by the Process I or III as shown by Examples 8. In a dry box, a 100 mL reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 13.03 g (0.126 mol) of dry ZnF₂. The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and connected to the gas flowing system. After nitrogen purge, Cl₂ gas started to flow into the reaction vessel at the rate of 15 mL/minute as the reaction vessel was heated to 130-140° C., at which point addition of 32.36 g (0.126 mol) of the mixture of trans- and cis-2,6-difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride was started. A total of 32.36 g (0.126 mol) of the mixture of trans- and cis-2,6-difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride was added over 1 h. After this, heat and chlorine flow were maintained for an additional 3 hours. At this point, the NMR analysis of the reaction mixture showed that the starting materials (trans- and cis-2,6-difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride) were consumed and 2,6-difluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride and 3-chloro-2,6-difluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride were produced in 63:37 molar ratio. The reaction mixture was then extracted with pentane and washed with aqueous sodium carbonate solution. The extract was dried with dry Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to give a residue which was distilled at reduced pressure to give four fractions of the product in the range of boiling point 75˜120° C. at 110 mmHg. The first three fractions (total 15.37 g) was a 1:1 mixture (by GC) of 2,6-difluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride and 3-chloro-2,6-difluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride. The final fraction (the fourth fraction, b.p. 112-120° C./110 mmHg) had 6.22 g of 3-chloro-2,6-difluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride (93% purity, determined by GC). The spectral data of 3-chloro-2,6-difluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride were as follows; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 77.9-75.7 (m, 1F, SF), 73.2-72.5 (m, 4F, SF₄), −103.3 (m, 1F), −105.2 (m, 1F); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.04 (m, 1H); high resolution mass spectrum. found 275.942071 (36.0%) (calcd for C₆H₂ ³⁷ClF₇S; 275.942447). found 273.945943 (100%) (calcd for C₆H₂ ³⁵ClF₇S; 273.945397). The other product, 2,6-difluorophenylsuflur pentafluoride was identified by the data obtained by Example 8 (Process II).

Example 18 Reaction of Phenylsulfur Chlorotetrafluoride and ZnF₂ under a Slow Flow of an Inactive Gas (Nitrogen)

(Process II) trans-Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (trans-PhSF₄Cl) used for this Process was prepared in high yields by the Process I or III as shown by Examples 1, 11, 12 or 14. In a dry box, a 50 mL reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 10.0 g (0.045 mol) of trans-PhSF₄Cl and 2.8 g (0.027 mol) of dry ZnF₂. The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and connected to the gas flowing system. The reaction mixture was slowly heated to 120° C. with N₂ flowing at the rate of 5.4 mL/minute. The reaction mixture changed from colorless to light yellow, to pink, and eventually to brown in about 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred at 120° C. with N₂ flowing for 5 hours. After being cooled down to room temperature, the reaction mixture was checked with ¹⁹F NMR. Three major compounds (trans-PhSF₄Cl, cis-PhSF₄Cl and PhSF₅) were present in the reaction mixture. The ratio of trans-PhSF₄Cl:cis-PhSF₄Cl:PhSF₅ was 15:20:100. PhCF₃ (1.0 g) was added to the reaction mixture and the NMR yield of each compound was determined. The yield of trans-PhSF₄Cl was 2.4%, cis-PhSF₄Cl was 14.6%, and PhSF₅ was 67.2%. The reaction was not complete in 5 h at 120° C. Therefore, this experiment showed that the reaction under the flow of nitrogen was slowed down.

Example 19 Reaction of Phenylsulfur Chlorotetrafluoride and ZnF₂ Under a Fast Flow of Inactive Gas (Nitrogen)

(Process II) trans-Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (trans-PhSF₄Cl) used for this Process was prepared in high yields by Process I or III as shown by Examples 1, 11, 12 or 14. In a dry box, a 50 mL reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 10.0 g (0.045 mol) of trans-PhSF₄Cl and 2.8 g (0.027 mol) of dry ZnF₂. The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and connected to the gas flowing system. The reaction mixture was slowly heated to 120° C. with N₂ flowing at a rate of 26.9 mL/minute. The reaction mixture changed from colorless to light yellow, to pink, and eventually to brown in about 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred at 120° C. with N₂ flowing for 5 hours. After being cooled down to room temperature, the reaction mixture was checked with ¹⁹F NMR. Three major compounds (trans-PhSF₄Cl, cis-PhSF₄Cl and PhSF₅) were present in the reaction mixture. The ratio of trans-PhSF₄Cl:cis-PhSF₄Cl:PhSF₅ was 22:117:100. PhCF₃ (2.8 g) was added to the reaction mixture and the NMR yield of each compound was determined by ¹⁹F NMR. The yield of trans-PhSF₄Cl was 6.7%, cis-PhSF₄Cl was 42.1%, and PhSF₅ was 38.4%. The reaction was not complete in 5 h at 120° C. and the conversion of PhSF₄Cl to PhSF₅ was lower than in Example 18. This data shows that the reaction under the fast flow of nitrogen was slowed down more than the reaction under the slow flow of nitrogen. In either case a flow of inactive gas has an inhibitory effect on reaction yield.

Example 20 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride by Using SbF₃ as a Fluoride Source

(Process II) trans-Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride used for this Process was prepared in high yields by Process I or III as shown by Examples 1, 11, 12, or 14. In a dry box, a reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 1.0 g (4.54 mmol) of trans-phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride and 0.397 g (2.22 mmol) of dry SbF₃. The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and equipped with a balloon filled with N₂. The mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 5 h. The analysis of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F-NMR technique showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride was produced at 33% yield.

Example 21 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride by Using a Mixture of SbF₃ (Fluoride Source) and SbCl₅ (Fluoride Source-Activating Compound) as a Fluoride Source

(Process II) trans-Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride used for this Process was prepared in high yields by the Process I or III as shown by Examples 1, 11, 12, or 14. In a dry box, a reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 1.0 g (4.54 mmol) of trans-phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride, 0.349 g (2.01 mmol) of SbF₃, a trace amount of SbCl₅, and 2 mL of dry hexane. SbCl₅ is a fluoride source-activating compound. SbCl₅ (strong Lewis acid) can complex with SbF₃ to form SbF₂(SbFCl₅), which can also be made by SbF₂Cl and SbFCl₄ both are fluoride sources usable in this invention. The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and equipped with a balloon filled with N₂. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 days. The analysis of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F-NMR showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride was produced at 54% yield.

Example 22 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride by Using SnF₄ as a Fluoride Source

(Process II) trans-Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride used for this Process was prepared in high yields by the Process I or III as shown by Examples 1, 11, 12, or 14. In a box, a reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 1.0 g (4.54 mmol) of trans-phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride and 0.26 g (1.4 mmol) of dry SnF₄. The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and equipped with a balloon filled with N₂. The mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 2 h. The analysis of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F-NMR showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride was produced at 34% yield.

Example 23 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride by Using TiF₄ as a Fluoride Source

(Process II) trans-Phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride used for this Process was prepared in high yields by the Process I or III as shown by Examples 1, 11, 12, or 14. In a dry box, a reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 1.0 g (4.54 mmol) of trans-phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride and 0.17 g (1.4 mmol) of dry TiF₄. The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and equipped with a balloon filled with N₂. The mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 16 h. The analysis of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F-NMR showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride was produced at 35% yield.

Example 24 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Chlorotetrafluoride from Diphenyl Disulfide

(Process I) A 500 mL round bottom flask was charged with diphenyl disulfide (21.8 g, 0.1 mol), dry CsF (243.2 g, 1.6 mol) and 200 mL of dry CH₃CN. The reaction mixture was cooled on an ice/water bath, and bubbled with N₂ (18 mL/min) for 0.5 h. After the N₂ flow was stopped, Cl₂ was bubbled into a reaction mixture at a rate of 63 mL/min for 4 h. The total amount of Cl₂ used was 0.68 mol. The reaction mixture was then warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. Then, N₂ (18 mL/min) was bubbled through for 2 hours to remove an excess of chlorine. The reaction mixture was filtered with 100 mL of dry hexane in a dry box. The combined filtrate was evaporated under vacuum, and the residue was distilled at reduced pressure to give a colorless liquid of phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (36.3 g, 83%). The physical properties and spectral data of the product are as shown in Example 1. The product was a trans isomer.

Example 25 Synthesis of p-chlorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride from bis(p-chlorophenyl) disulfide

(Process I) Chlorine (Cl₂) was passed with a flow rate of 64 mL/min into a stirred mixture of 25.0 g (87.0 mmol) of bis(p-chlorophenyl) disulfide and 86.0 g (1.48 mol) of dry KF in 200 mL of dry acetonitrile at 5-8° C. Chlorine was passed for 3.5 h and the total amount of chlorine passed was 12.8 L (571 mmol). After that, the reaction mixture was filtered and rinsed with dry hexane. After removal of the solvent in vacuum, p-chlorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (39.5 g, 88%) as a colorless liquid was obtained; b.p. 65-66° C./2 mmHg; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.38 (d, 2H, J=9.1 Hz), 7.65 (d, 2H, J=9.1 Hz); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 137.4 (s, 4F, SF₄Cl). High resolution mass spectrum. found 257.927507 (13.3%) (calcd for C₆H₄F₄S³⁷Cl₂; 257.928790). found 255.930746 (68.9%) (calcd for C₆H₄F₄S³⁷Cl³⁵Cl; 255.931740). found 253.933767 (100.0%) (calcd for C₆H₄F₄S³⁵Cl₂; 253.934690). The NMR showed that p-chlorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride obtained is a trans isomer.

Example 26 Synthesis of p-(tert-butyl)phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride from p-(tert-butyl)benzenethiol

(Process I) Chlorine (Cl₂) was passed with a flow rate of 35 mL/min into a stirred mixture of 10.0 g (60.2 mmol) of p-(tert-butyl)benzenethiol and 91.6 g (602 mmol) of dry CsF in 150 mL of dry acetonitrile at 5-10° C. Chlorine was passed for 3.5 h and the total amount of chlorine passed was 10.1 L (452 mmol). After that, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. The reaction mixture was filtered under dry nitrogen. After removal of the solvent at reduced pressure, the residue was distilled to give 14 g (84%) of p-(tert-butyl)phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride; b.p. 98° C./0.3 mmHg; m.p. 93° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 1.32 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃), 7.43 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 2H, aromatic), 7.64 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 2H, aromatic); ¹⁹F NMR δ 138.3 (s, SF₄Cl). High resolution mass spectrum. found 278.034576 (8.8%) (calcd for C₁₀H₁₃ ³⁷ClF₄S; 278.033313). found 276.037526 (24.7%) (calcd for C₁₀H₁₃ ³⁵ClF₄S; 276.036263). Elemental analysis; Calcd for C₁₀H₁₃ClF₄S; C, 43.40%; H, 4.74%. found C, 43.69%, H, 4.74%. The NMR showed that p-(t-butyl)phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride was obtained as a trans isomer.

Example 27 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride from Phenylsulfur Chlorotetrafluoride and ZnF₂

(Process II or II″) In a dry box, a reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 1.0 g (4.54 mmol) of trans-phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride and 0.281 g of dry ZnF₂ (solid, mp 872° C., by 1500° C.). The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and equipped with a balloon filled with N₂. The mixture was heated at 80° C. for 20 h. An analysis of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F-NMR showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride was produced at 85% yield.

Example 28 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride from Phenylsulfur Chlorotetrafluoride and ZnF₂

(Process II or II″) In a dry box, a reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 1.0 g (4.54 mmol) of trans-phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride and 0.28 g (2.7 mmol) of dry ZnF₂ (solid, mp 872° C., by 1500° C.). The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and equipped with a balloon filled with N₂. The mixture was heated at 120° C. for 4 h. An analysis of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F-NMR showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride was produced at 88% yield.

Example 29 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride from Phenylsulfur Chlorotetrafluoride and CuF₂

(Process II or II″) In a dry box, a reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 1.0 g (4.54 mmol) of trans-phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride and 0.284 g (2.79 mmol) of dry CuF₂ (solid, mp ˜785° C.). The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and equipped with a balloon filled with N₂. The mixture was heated at 80° C. for 22 h. An analysis of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F-NMR showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride was produced at 57% yield.

Example 30 Synthesis of p-methylphenylsulfur pen . . . tafluoride from p-methylphenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride and ZnF₂

(Process II or II″) In a dry box, a reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 1.01 g (4.26 mmol) of trans-p-methylphenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride and 0.266 g (2.57 mmol) of dry ZnF₂ (solid, mp 872° C., by 1500° C.). The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and equipped with a balloon filled with N₂. The mixture was heated at 80° C. for 16 h. An analysis of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F-NMR showed that p-methylphenylsulfur pentafluoride was produced at 79% yield.

Example 31 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride from Phenylsulfur Chlorotetrafluoride and HBF₄diethyl etherate

(Process II or II″) In a dry box, a reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with 1.0 g (4.5 mmol) of trans-phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (trans-PhSF₄Cl) and 4.5 mL of dry methylene chloride. The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and equipped with a balloon filled with nitrogen. Into the solution, HBF₄ diethyl etherate (liquid) (HBF₄OEt₂) (0.88 g, 0.74 mL, 5.4 mmol) was slowly added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature. The progress of the reaction was monitored by ¹⁹F NMR. After 7 hours, three major compounds (trans-PhSF₄Cl, cis-PhSF₄Cl and PhSF₅) were present in the reaction mixture. The ratio of trans-PhSF₄Cl:cis-PhSF₄Cl:PhSF₅ was 156:716:100. After 21 hours, the ratio of trans-PhSF₄Cl:cis-PhSF₄Cl:PhSF₅ changed to 3:6:100. An analysis of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F-NMR showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride (PhSF₅) was produced at 40% yield.

Example 32 Synthesis of Phenylsulfur Pentafluoride from Phenylsulfur Chlorotetrafluoride by Using a Mixture of ZnF₂ (Fluoride Source) and SbCl₅ (Fluoride Source-Activating Compound) as a Fluoride Source

In a dry box, a reaction vessel made of fluoropolymer was charged with dry heptane (5 mL) and ZnF₂ (solid) (0.84, 8.2 mmol), SbCl₅ (liquid) (0.41 g, 0.17 mL, 1.36 mmol) was added to the mixture. To this, trans-phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (trans-PhSF₄Cl) (3.0 g, 13.6 mmol) was slowly added. The reaction vessel was brought out from the dry box and equipped with a balloon filled with nitrogen. SbCl₅ is a fluoride source-activating compound. SbCl₅ (strong Lewis acid) can complex with ZnF₂ to form ZnF(SbFCl₅), which can also be made by ZnFC1 and SbFCl₄ (both are fluoride sources usable in this invention). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature. Progress of the reaction was monitored by ¹⁹F NMR. After 10 minutes, the ratio of trans-PhSF₄Cl:cis-PhSF₄Cl:PhSF₅ was 385:0:100. After 90 minutes, the ratio of trans-PhSF₄Cl:cis-PhSF₄Cl:PhSF₅ changed to 63: trace:100. After 180 minutes, the ratio of trans-PhSF₄Cl:cis-PhSF₄Cl:PhSF₅ changed to 34: trace:100. After 17 hours, the ratio of trans-PhSF₄Cl:cis-PhSF₄Cl:PhSF₅ changed to 18:2:100. An analysis of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F-NMR showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride (PhSF₅) was produced at 53% yield. A small amount of the starting trans-PhSF₄Cl (9.4%) remained.

Example 33 Reaction of Phenylsulfur Chlorotetrafluoride and BF₃ Gas (Comparative Example)

A reaction vessel made of steel was charged with 1.0 g (4.5 mmol) of trans-phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride and cooled on a dry ice-acetone bath. The reaction vessel was evacuated by a vacuum pump and boron trifluoride gas (BF₃; this boiling point is −100° C. at 1 atm) was introduced into the reaction vessel till the pressure reached 18 psi. The reaction mixture was then warmed to room temperature and left alone for 3 days. During the time, the pressure was increased to 100 psi with additional BF₃ gas. After the reaction, it was found that all the reaction mixture became a solid residue. Phenylsulfur pentafluoride was not detected.

Example 34 Reaction of Phenylsulflur Chlorotetrafluoride and BF₃ Gas in Methylene Chloride (Comparative Example)

A reaction vessel made of steel was charged with 1.42 g (6.44 mmol) of trans-phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride and 6.4 mL of dry methylene chloride and cooled to about −100° C. by using a liquid nitrogen bath. The reaction vessel was evacuated by a vacuum pump and BF₃ gas (boiling point is −100° C. at 1 atm) was introduced into the reaction vessel till the pressure reached 80 psi. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and left alone for 5 h. During this time, the pressure was increased to 100 psi with additional BF₃ gas. An analysis of the reaction mixture by ¹⁹F-NMR showed that phenylsulfur pentafluoride was formed at 28% yield.

Examples 33 and 34 show that as Ou et al. reported, it was found that, when boron trifluoride (boiling point −100° C. at 1 atm) was flowed through a solution of phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride in a deuterium methylene chloride, phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride was slowly transferred to phenylsulfur pentafluoride (see Can. J. Chem., Vol. 75, pp. 1878-1884). As shown herein, however, the yield was very low or the desired product was not obtained because an undesired polymerization occurred. Examples 33 and 34 show the utility of the present invention over the conventional art production method using a fluoride gas such as boron trifluoride whose boiling point is −100° C. at 1 atm. The present invention preferably uses fluoride liquids or solids at least at 0° C. and at 1 atm, as compared to a gaseous reactant. A liquid or solid is preferable because it is easy to handle and reacts more completely than a gaseous reactant. Also, the reactant of Ou et al., although shown to react at atmospheric pressure, would require high pressure to proceed at an appreciable rate with a necessary and minimum amount of the reactant.

For Examples 35 to 44, Tables 5 and 6 provide chemical names and their chemical structures and formula numbers for reference, which can be synthesized as products or can be used as starting materials in the present invention.

TABLE 5 Fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluorides (Formula VI): Formula Number Name Structure VI-1 2,6-Difluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

VI-2 2,3,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

VI-3 2,4,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

VI-4 2,3,4,6-Tetrafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

VI-5 2,3,4,5,6- Pentafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride

TABLE 6 Fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluorides (Formula VII): Formula Number Name Structure VII-1 2,6-Difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

VII-2 2,3,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

VII-3 2,4,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

VII-4 2,3,4,6-Tetrafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

VII-5 2,3,4,5,6- Pentafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride

Example 35 Preparation of 2,6-difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (VII-1)

(Process A) A round bottom glassware flask was charged with bis(2,6-difluorophenyl) disulfide (29.1 g, 0.1 mol), anhydrous CsF (279 g, 1.83 mol) and 200 mL of anhydrous CH₃CN. The stirred reaction mixture was cooled on an ice/water bath under a flow of N₂ (about 20 mL/min). After N₂ was stopped, chlorine (Cl₂) was bubbled into a reaction mixture at the rate of about 60 mL/min. The Cl₂ bubbling took about 5 h. The total amount of Cl₂ used was about 1.02 mol. After Cl₂ was stopped, the reaction mixture was allowed to come to room temperature overnight with stirring. N₂ was then bubbled through to remove an excess of Cl₂. The reaction mixture was then filtered with dry hexane. The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum and the resulting residue was distilled at reduced pressure to give the product (42.3 g, yield 82%) (b.p. 120-122° C./95-100 mmHg), which is a 6:1 mixture of trans- and cis-isomers of 2,6-difluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride. The trans-isomer was isolated as pure form by crystallization; mp. 47.6-48.3° C.; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 143.9 (t, J=26.0 Hz, 4F, SF₄), −104.1 (quintet, J=26.0 Hz, 2F,2,6-F): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.97-7.09 (m, 2H, 3,5-H), 7.43-7.55 (m, 1H, 4-H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 157.20 (d, J=262.3 Hz), 133.74 (t, J=11.6 Hz), 130.60 (m), 113.46 (d, J=14.6 Hz); high resolution mass spectrum. found 257.950876 (37.6%) (calcd for C₆H₃ ³⁷ClF₆S; 257.951869). found 255.955740 (100%) (calcd for C₆H₃ ³⁵ClF₆S; 255.954819); elemental analysis; calcd for C₆H₃ClF₆S; C, 28.08%, H, 1.18%. found; C, 28.24%, H, 1.24%. The cis-isomer was assigned in the following; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 158.2 (quartet, J=161.8 Hz, 1F, SF), 121.9 (m, 2F, SF₂), 76.0 (m, 1F, SF). The ¹⁹F NMR assignment of aromatic fluorine atoms of the minor cis-isomer could not be done because of possible overlapping of the peaks of the trans-isomer.

Examples 36-39 Preparation of Fluorinated Phenylsulfur Chlorotetrafluorides (VII-2)˜(VII-5)

Fluorinated phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides (VII-2)˜(VII-5) were synthesized from the fluorinated phenyl sulfur compounds (VIIIa) by a similar procedure as described in Example 35. Table 7 shows the preparation of fluorinated phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides. Table 7 also shows the starting materials and other chemicals, solvents, reaction conditions, and results, together with those of Example 35.

TABLE 7 Preparation of fluorinated phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides (VII-1)~(VII-5) Ex. (VIIIa) or (VIIIb) or (X) Halogen (IX) Solvent Conditions (VII) Yield 35

Cl₂ ~1.02 mol CsF 279 g (1.83 mol) CH₃CN 200 mL 0~5° C.   5 h and r.t. overnight

82% 36

Cl₂ ~2.04 mol KF 166 g (2.86 mol) CH₃CN 600 mL 0~5° C.   6 h and r.t. overnight

80% 37

Cl₂ ~1.08 mol KF  90 g (1.55 mol) CH₃CN 300 mL 0~5° C.   6 h and r.t. overnight

67% 38

Cl₂ ~1.94 mol KF 138 g (2.38 mol) CH₃CN 570 mL 0~5° C. 7.5 h and r.t. overnight

83% 39

Cl₂   ~1 mol KF  82 g (1.41 mol) CH₃CN 300 mL 0~5° C.   5 h and r.t. overnight

86%

The properties and spectral data of the product (VII-1) obtained by Example 35 are shown in Example 35. The properties and spectral data of the products obtained by Examples 36-39 are shown by the following:

2,3,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (VII-2): The product obtained from Example 36 was a mixture of an approximately 87:13 mixture of trans- and cis-isomers by NMR analysis. trans-Isomer:¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 143.19 (t, J=27.2 Hz, 4F, SF₄), −109.24 (m, 1F), −127.20 (m, 1F), −137.97 (m, 1F); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.38 (m, 1H), 7.01 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 152.53 (d, J=258.7 Hz), 147.53 (ddd, J=249.3, 14.4, 3.6 Hz), 146.26 (dd, J=264.4, 17.0 Hz), 131.60 (m), 120.64 (dd, J=18.1, 10.8 Hz), 112.39 (dm, J=27.5 Hz). cis-Isomer:¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 155.50 (quartet, J=160.9 Hz, 1F, SF), 122.12 (m, 2F, SF₂), 76.64 (m, 1F, SF), and aromatic fluorine atoms were not identified because of possible overlapping with those of the major trans-isomer; ¹H and ¹³C NMR, the minor cis-isomer was not identified because of possible overlapping with those of the major trans-isomer.

2,4,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (VII-3): trans-Isomer; m.p. 55.8-56.7° C.; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 144.07 (t, J=26.0 Hz, 4F, SF₄), −99.80 (t, J=26.0 Hz, 2F, o-F), −100.35 (s, 1F, p-F); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.79 (t, J=17.5 Hz, m-H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 164.16 (dt, J=164.2 Hz, 15.2 Hz, 4-C), 158.18 (dm, J=260.7 Hz, 2-C), 127.7 (m, 1-C), 102.1 (tm, J=27.8 Hz, 3-C). Elemental analysis; calcd for C₆H₂ClF₇S; C, 26.24%; H, 0.73%. found, C, 26.23%; H, 1.01%. The NMR shows that 2,4,6-trifluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride obtained is a trans isomer.

2,3,4,6-Tetrafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (VII-4): The product (b.p. 115-120° C./120 mmHg) obtained from Example 38 was an approximately 86:14 mixture of trans- and cis-isomers by NMR analysis. trans-Isomer:¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 143.70 (t, J=26.9 Hz, 4F, SF₄), −106.77 (m, 1F), −124.22 (m, 2F), −160.64 (m, 1F); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.9 (m); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 152.46 (dm, J=259.8 Hz), 147.85 (dm, J=269.0 Hz), 137.52 (dm, J=253.0 Hz), 128.17 (m), 102.10 (m). cis-Isomer:¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 154.92 (quartet, J=160.6 Hz, 1F, SF), 122.90 (m, 2F, SF₂), 77.74 (m, 1F, SF), and aromatic fluorine atoms were not identified because of possible overlapping with those of the major trans-isomer; ¹H and ¹³C NMR, the minor cis-isomer was not identified because of possible overlapping with those of the major trans-isomer.

2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride (VII-5): The product (b.p. 95-112° C./100 mmHg) obtained from Example 39 was an approximately 1.7:1 mixture of trans- and cis-isomers of 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride. The isomers were assigned by ¹⁹F NMR: The trans-isomer; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 144.10 (t, J=26.0 Hz, 4F, SF₄), −132.7 (m, 2F, 2,6-F), −146.6 (m, 1F, 4-F), −158.9 (m, 2F, 3,5-F); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 143.5 (dm, J=265.2 Hz), 141.7 (dm, J=263.7 Hz), 128.3 (m). The cis-isomer; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 152.39 (quartet, J=158.9 Hz, 1F, SF), 124.32 (m, 2F, SF₂), 79.4 (m, 1F, SF), −132.7 (m, 2F, 2,6-F), −146.6 (m, 1F, 4-F), −158.9 (m, 2F, 3,5-F). High resolution mass spectrum of the 1.7:1 mixture of the trans- and cis-isomers. found 311.923124 (15.5%) (calcd for C₆ ³⁷ClF₉S; 311.923604). found 309.926404 (43.1%) (calcd for C₆ ³⁵ClF₉S; 309.926554).

Examples 40-44 Preparation of Fluorinated Phenylsulfur Pentafluorides (VI-1)˜(VI-5)

General procedure (Process IIa): SbF_(n)Cl_(m) and SbF₃ were mixed in a solvent in a fluoropolymer (PFA) vessel at room temperature. As shown in Conditions in Table 8, a fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluoride (VII) was added to the mixture at room temperature, or the mixture was cooled to −60° C. and a fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluoride was added to the mixture. The reaction was conducted at the temperature and time shown in Table 8. The amounts used of reagents (SbF_(n)Cl_(m) and SbF₃), fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluorides, and solvents are shown in Table 8. After the reaction, the reaction mixture was filtered, and the filtrate was treated with KF powder and filtered and concentrated. The residue was distilled to give the product (VI) shown in Table 8. The results are also shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Preparation of fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluorides (VI-1)~(VI-5) Mol ratio of Ex. (VII) SbF_(n)Cl_(m) SbF₃ SbF_(n)Cl_(m)/SbF₃ Solvent^(a)) Conditions (VI) Yield^(b)) 40^(c))

SbCl₅ 0.12 g (0.4 mmol) SbF₃ 1.02 g (5.7 mmol) 1/14 FC-72  8 mL r.t.   1 h

71% 41

SbF₅ 1.95 g (9 mmol) SbF₃ 7.10 g (39 mmol) 1/4.3 FC-72  40 mL −60° C. → r.t.   5 h

70% 42

SbF₅ 5.78 g (26.7 mmol) SbF₃ 21.7 g (121 mmol) 1/4.5 FC-72 110 mL −60° C. → r.t.  ~5 h

77% 43

SbCl₅ 6.67 g (22.3 mmol) SbF₃ 25.9 g (145 mmol) 1/6.5 FC-72 200 mL r.t. 4.5 h

61% 44

SbF₅ 6.59 g (30.4 mmol) SbF₃ 5.72 g (32 mmol) 1/1.05 FC-72  40 mL r.t.   1 h

71% ^(a))FC-72 (Fluorinert FC-72) is a perfluorocarbon having a boiling point of 56° C., which was manufactured by the 3M company. ^(b))Yields were isolated yields except for Example 40 in which the yield was determined by 19 F NMR. ^(c))In Example 40 SbCl5 was added to a mixture of SbF3 and compound (VII-1) in a FC-72 solvent at room temperature.

Properties and spectral data of fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluorides obtained above are shown in the following:

2,6-Difluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride (VI-1): m.p. 40.3-41.1° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.51 (m, 1H), 7.04 (m, 2H); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 82.32-80.69 (m, 1F, SF), 62.76 (d, 4F, SF₄); GC-Mass m/z 240 (M⁺); high resolution mass spectrum. found 239.984509 (calcd for C₆H₃F₇S; 239.984370); elemental analysis, calcd for C₆H₃F₇S; C, 30.01%, H, 1.26%; found, C, 30.20%, H, 1.47%.

2,3,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride (VI-2): b.p. 154-156° C.; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 75.5-77.6 (m, 1F), 72.6-73.6 (m, 4F), −110.0 (m, 1F), −127.8 (m, 1F), −138.0 (m, 1F); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.38 (m, 1H), 7.02 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 152.74 (d, J=259.4 Hz), 147.57 (ddd, J=249.3, 14.5, 4.3 Hz), 146.44 (ddt, J=264.4, 16.6, 2.2 Hz), 130.33 (m), 120.63 (ddd, J=19.5, 10.8, 1.4 Hz), 112.34 (dt, J=26.7, 10.1 Hz); GC-Mass m/z 258 (M⁺).

2,4,6-Trifluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride (VI-3): b.p. 138-141° C.; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 78.7-75.3 (m, SF), 73.8-72.9 (m, SF₄), −100.6 (m, 4-F), −100.7 (m, 2,6-F); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.80 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 3,5-H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 164.35 (dt, J=257.9, 32.5 Hz), 158.41 (dm, J=260.0 Hz), 126.15 (m), 101.88 (m); GC-Mass m/z 258 (M⁺).

2,3,4,6-Tetrafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride (VI-4): b.p. 141-142° C.; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 75.1-77.3 (m, 1F), 73.3-74.3 (m, 4F), −107.5 (m, 1F), −124.1 (m, 1F), −125.0 (m, 1H), −160.6 (m, 1F); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 6.9-7.0 (m); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 152.68 (dm, J=258.8 Hz), 148.01 (dm, J=264.8 Hz), 137.57 (dm, J=253.0 Hz), 126.80 (m), 102.16 (m); GC-Mass m/z 276 (M⁺).

2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride (VI-5): b.p. 135-137° C.; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 74.8 (m, 5F, SF₅), −133.4 (m, 2F, 2,6-F), −146.2 (m, 1F, 4-F), −158.6 (m, 2F, 3,5-F); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 143.6 (dm, J=262.2 Hz), 137.9 (dm, J=253.6 Hz), 126.7 (m). High resolution mass spectrum. found 293.956492 (calcd for C₆F₁₀S; 293.956104).

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a number of embodiments, it would be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in the form and details may be made to the various embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and that the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to act as limitations on the scope of the claims. 

1. A method for preparing a fluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluoride having a formula (VI) as follows:

the method comprising: reacting a fluorinated phenylsulfur halotetrafluoride having a formula (VII) with SbF_(n)Cl_(m) and SbF₃ in which the molar ratio of SbF_(n)Cl_(m) and SbF₃ is 1:100˜5:1

wherein at least two of R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), R^(d), and R^(e) are a fluorine atom and the remainder are hydrogen atoms; wherein X is a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, or an iodine atom; and wherein n+m=5.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the molar ratio of SbF_(n)Cl_(m) and SbF₃ is approximately 1:50˜2:1.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein SbF_(n)Cl_(m) is selected from a group consisting of SbF₅, SbCl₅, SbFCl₄, SbF₂Cl₃, SbF₃Cl₂, and SbF₄Cl.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein SbF_(n)Cl_(m) is SbCl₅ or SbF₅.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the reaction is conducted in a solvent.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the solvent is a halocarbon.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein X is a chlorine atom.
 8. A polyfluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluoride having a formula (VI′) as follows:

wherein four of R^(a′), R^(b′), R^(c′), R^(d′), and R^(e′) are a fluorine atom and the remainder is a hydrogen atom.
 9. The polyfluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluoride of claim 8 is 2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride or 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride.
 10. The polyfluorinated phenylsulfur pentafluoride of claim 8 is 2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride.
 11. A polyfluorinated phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride having a formula (VII′) as follows:

wherein four of R^(a′), R^(b′), R^(c′), R^(d′), and R^(e′) are a fluorine atom and the remainder is a hydrogen atom.
 12. The polyfluorinated phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride of claim 11 is 2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride or 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride.
 13. The polyfluorinated phenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride of claim 11 is 2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenylsulfur chlorotetrafluoride. 